Glyphosate Decisions Must Remain Science Led

NFU Scotland has stressed that decisions on the future use of glyphosate must remain grounded in robust scientific evidence and the UK’s independent regulatory process, following renewed calls for restrictions on its use.

NFU Scotland Crops Chair Jack Stevenson said:

“Glyphosate is one of the most thoroughly reviewed herbicides in the world, and regulatory authorities continue to approve its use when applied in accordance with strict guidance.

“For Scottish growers, particularly given our wetter climate and shorter harvest windows, glyphosate remains an important tool in helping crops be harvested efficiently while maintaining quality and reducing the additional energy and fuel required for drying.

“In Scotland’s often challenging conditions, removing glyphosate without practical and scalable alternatives would create significant challenges for growers, potentially increasing fuel use, production costs, and carbon emissions. Glyphosate also supports lower-disturbance cultivation systems, including min-till and direct drilling approaches, which can help protect soils and reduce emissions across both arable and livestock farming systems.

“It is important that decisions on glyphosate continue to reflect robust scientific evidence and Scotland’s distinct agricultural conditions.

“NFU Scotland supports the responsible use of glyphosate as part of an integrated and sustainable approach to farming, while continuing to support research and innovation into effective alternatives.”