The American Soybean Association (ASA) this week sent comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encouraging a swift, scientific-based evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate by its Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP).

The letter emphasized the herbicide is critical to keeping U.S. soybean farmers productive, sustainable and competitive.

“We are concerned that the SAP process will further delay the registration process for glyphosate,” ASA states in the comments. “We encourage the Agency to conduct a timely and science-based review of glyphosate that takes into account the decades of research demonstrating the safety of this herbicide and the important benefits it brings farmers.”

ASA also stressed that glyphosate has a long history of safe use.

“Scientific studies conducted over several decades have overwhelmingly shown that when used according to label directions, glyphosate does not present an unreasonable risk of adverse effects to humans, wildlife or the environment,” the comments state.

ASA commended Glyphosate Issue Paper published by EPA in September, which concluded the herbicide is not likely carcinogenic to humans. ASA strongly supports biotechnology and believes the technology to benefit farmers, consumers and the environment.

“Glyphosate enables effective weed control with no harmful residues in no-till settings, while allowing farmers more flexibility in application timing,” the comments state. “Without access to glyphosate, soybean farmers will have to use other herbicides, which may leave residues that could harm our crops or increase the amount of tillage and labor to control weeds.”

Click here to read the entire letter.