Delays in the reapproval of glyphosate have set a dangerous precedent, which threatens more than 100 other active ingredients used in crop protection products, farm leaders have warned.

As many as 67 products are up for renewal before harvest 2017, with a further 51 products up for reapproval before harvest 2018, NFU combinable crops board chairman Mike Hambly told listeners at Cereals on Wednesday (15 June).

See also: David Cameron ‘convinced’ glyphosate will be reauthorised

Brussels has until 30 June to extend the licence for glyphosate.

Unless it does so by the deadline, broad spectrum herbicides containing the ingredient – seen as a vital product for many growers – face being withdrawn.

Over two-thirds of the public think positively about farmers – I’m urging farmers to be confident in talking more about what they do Mike Hambly, NFU

The UK government favours reapproval.

But France and Germany have both abstained from recent EU votes, which have fallen short of the qualified majority needed for reapproval.

An appeal is expected be heard on 23 June, followed by a further vote.

Some scientific studies suggest glyphosate is carcinogenic, but others have given it a clean bill of health.

The situation is further complicated by forthcoming elections in France and Germany – as well as the impending UK referendum on EU membership on 23 June.

If reauthorisations are complicated by political issues – as the NFU claims has happened with glyphosate – a quarter of the crop-protection toolbox in Europe could be withdrawn from the market within the next 24 months, said Mr Hambly.

“The statistics on plant protection products up for renewal do not paint a pretty picture for farmers – especially given the unpredictable regulatory environment,” he said.

“Our diminishing armoury of actives is under threat.”

The possibly withdrawal of products such as diquat would have a devastating impact for UK agriculture and food production, the NFU has warned.

And with so much at stake, Mr Hambly urged the industry – and individual growers – to work together to make their case.

“Over two-thirds of the public think positively about farmers – I’m urging farmers to be confident in talking more about what they do.

Farmers should help tell story

“Farmers telling their stories to regulators and the wider public adds much-needed balance to the reauthorisation process in the UK and Brussels.”

The NFU is continuing to lobby for the reapproval of glyphosate and other active ingredients.

But it also acknowledges the industry must up its game ahead of what looks like an increasingly uncertain future for many crop protection products.

Farmers could help get the message across by using social media to explain why they use products such as glyphosate and diquat, said Mr Hambly.

Doing so would help counter the voice of campaigners who want to see the products withdrawn.

“Pressure from campaigners can warp the regulatory processes – this is why the farmers’ story is so important.

“This is why I am encouraging farmers to be vocal. We need to talk openly about why we need plant protection products to enable us to be viable farming businesses.”

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