Farmer Tom Wadson has urged the Bermuda Government to reconsider its decision to lift the ban on the weed killer Rodeo.

Environmental charity Greenrock has also spoken out in support of the ban, urging residents to attend a public meeting on the Glyphosate Monitoring Study Draft Report today.

The Government report, written by environmental engineer Geoff Smith, who was tasked to look into the risks of the weed control glyphosate from road spraying, was published last year recommending that the ban be lifted. Dr Smith found that there were no significant adverse health effects detected from the chemical’s use.

But Mr Wadson, who runs Wadson’s Farm in Southampton, has expressed concern at the Government report’s conclusion and has written to the Minister of Health, Jeanne Atherden, urging her to reconsider the decision to lift the ban. He has also highlighted an article in September’s edition of Acres USA that draws links between glyphosate and modern diseases.

“We should seriously look at this article before we make any unwise decisions regarding glyphosate.

“I would also recommend that Government read the work of Professor Emeritus Dr Don Huber at Purdue University that shows it is affecting animal and apparently human reproduction as well. Bermuda must do its part in not allowing this product to be used here.”

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