In July this year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will decide whether to continue with the registration of glyphosate.
Harm van Rees will be presenting the findings of his international Farming without glyphosate study tour and the possible implications for Australian agriculture at BCG’s Trials Review Day on Friday the 24th of February at the Birchip Leisure Centre. (Register now at bcg.org.au/events).
“Without glyphosate there is no existing answer to how we are going to feed the eight billion and growing world population,” said the renowned researcher and agronomist.
“Conserving water, retaining stubble, reducing wind and water erosion all improve soil health and are achievable using glyphosate. Glyphosate also allows farmers to sow at the optimum time. Combined, these benefits radically improve yields. In our current systems, farming without glyphosate leaves our capacity to feed the billions vulnerable.”
Harm received the 2020 GRDC Excellence travel award in and in 2022 he and fellow researcher Anne Jackman travelled through Europe, Canada and Argentina meeting with farmers, agronomists and researchers.
“Public awareness and concerns relating to farm pesticide use is increasing,” Harm says, “and we can’t ignore the possibility of it happening here.”
At BCG’s Trials Review Day, Harm will explain what is currently happening in these countries including how farmers in each country differ in their approach to the restrictions imposed upon them. Of particular interest will be the significant difference between countries which do and do not have farmers subsidies.
“For example, in Argentina, some country towns are banning the use of all agri-chemicals including fertiliser for a 1000 metre zone around the towns’ perimeter. Farmers do not receive any compensation for the loss in the production.”
Harm will also discuss developing technologies such as electric laser weeding, robot weeding and spot spraying. He will also outline possible research to better equip Farming Systems Groups and farmers to deal with the pressures of eliminating glyphosate and potentially other herbicides in Australia.
Register for BCG’s Members’ Only Trials Review Day at bcg.org.au/events or call (03) 5492 2787. Memberships can also be purchased online at bcg.org.au/memberships or by calling the number above.
