Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Monday, 21 June 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the effect on newly planted crops on which phosphorus fertilisers are applied of the soil in which they are grown containing immobilised glyphosate used on previous crops.

Answer: The Government are not aware of any evidence that the long-term use of glyphosate in the UK, under UK conditions and where products containing glyphosate are used in accordance with the conditions of authorisation, has an effect on the uptake of phosphorus by crops planted in soils where glyphosate has been previously used. Relevant new scientific literature on the potential effects of glyphosate will be considered as part of the second review under Council Directive 91/414/EEC of active substances used in the European Union. We expect a Commission proposal on this review later in the year.

Secondary information