US Agriculture Secretary Criticizes Vietnam Ban on Glyphosate
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue called Vietnam's recent ban on importation of glyphosate “devastating,” saying it could cause significant ramifications for global agricultural production. Perdue also said Vietnam “sidestepped its obligation” to notify the World Trade Organization of the ban and that Vietnam should be concerned about consequences for its farmers. “There’s the very real risk that Vietnam’s farmers will turn to unregulated, illegal chemical products in place of glyphosate,” Perdue said.
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Vietnam justified the ban, announced April 10, by citing concerns that glyphosate in herbicides is harmful to the environment and human health, according to an unofficial translation of a notice from the Vietnam government. Perdue said the ban contradicts scientific studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that show glyphosate is “unlikely” to be harmful to humans. “This ban flies on the face of that scientific evidence,” he said. The ban will take effect in June, Reuters reported, citing state media reports.