Roundup & Cancer/Environment

I sympathise with farmers, for whom roundup has been an absolute boon. I use it myself.

But you can't ignore facts, including maybe "insectageddon"

This in SMH Business:

Australian farmers have backed the weed killer glyphosate, saying it has revolutionised farming while delivering environmental benefits including reduced soil erosion, less diesel consumption and better moisture conservation.

They have urged people to respect the decisions of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which this week said that glyphosate products registered with them "are safe and effective if used according to the label directions".

Bottles of Roundup at a manufacturing facility in Europe.Credit:Jasper Juinen

Glyphosate, a weed killer used widely around the world on farms and in gardens, is under scrutiny after a US jury this week ruled unanimously that the glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup was a "substantial factor" in causing the cancer of a California man.

Shares in Bayer, which manufactures Roundup, plummeted in Europe on Wednesday following the US suit.