Government rules out ban on controversial weedkiller

Jersey to Maintain Use of Glyphosate Despite Global Concerns

A widely used weedkiller ingredient linked to cancer in a US court case will remain approved for use in Jersey, the government has confirmed.

Environment Minister Steve Luce said the island would continue to “follow the lead” of the European Union and the United Kingdom, both of which currently permit the use of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides.

The decision follows renewed debate over the chemical’s safety after a US jury found that a glyphosate-based pesticide had been a “substantial factor” in causing a man’s cancer.

In a written statement, Mr Luce said approvals for pesticides in Jersey “may be amended or revoked if new scientific evidence emerges that challenges previous safety conclusions.”

The minister noted that the European Commission renewed glyphosate’s licence for another ten years in November 2023. That decision, he said, was based on “extensive scientific assessments” — including a review by the European Food Safety Authority — which found no proof that glyphosate posed risks to human or animal health, nor “any unacceptable impacts” on the environment.

Mr Luce added that, although the UK now operates its own pesticide approval system following Brexit, it reached the same conclusion as the EU and continues to authorise glyphosate use. The UK is, however, conducting another review ahead of the chemical’s current approval expiry date in December 2026.

In contrast, neighbouring Guernsey has taken a stricter stance, banning more than 150 glyphosate-based products over pollution concerns.