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THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE IOG AND THE INDUSTRY
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IOG NEWS
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WEEDKILLER RENEWAL
Glyphosate wins new five-year lease in Europe
NEWS
Controversial weedkiller deemed safe, but new sustainability guidelines to be published EU COUNTRIES HAVE voted to renew the licence of glyphosate, the weedkiller at the centre of environmental concerns. Approval has been renewed for five years following a meeting of the European Appeals Committee. The news has been welcomed by the chairman of the Amenity Forum. “Glyphosate is an important active ingredient used in the amenity sector and has been proved to be safe following extensive analysis and review,” said Professor John Moverley OBE. “The forum always advocates an integrated approach to weed control, utilising all methods available: cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical. However, glyphosate remains in many situations the most cost effective and efficient method for safe, healthy and sustainable amenity spaces and sports surfaces.”
6 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2018
SERVING MEMBERS
IOG RETAINS MATRIX QUALITY STANDARD
Rigby Taylor’s chemicals product manager Peter Corbett says the company will be announcing a product stewardship package for glyphosate, which will include all the elements of best practice
Peter Corbett, chemicals product manager at Rigby Taylor, said the decision had saved local authorities hundreds of millions of pounds, but the industry now needed to take on board the importance of using glyphosate correctly and in a sustainable manner. “Rigby Taylor is working on a product stewardship package for glyphosate, which will include all the elements of best practice,” he said. “The package will include advice and recommendations for managers, operators and other end users on how to use it correctly. There is also a need to educate the public on its safety profile.” A new EU renewal application will be required after the five-year period. You can find out more about the recent decision regarding the use of glyphosate on page 16.
THE IOG HAS again been accredited to the Matrix Standard, which recognises organisations that support individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals. Impressed with the IOG’s commitment, Matrix highlighted the following: The IOG demonstrates that it remains impartial when providing advice and guidance about both equipment and training pathways. Learners identified that they can gain accurate advice about qualifications and choices with ease. The IOG’s website, social media and e-shots are being effectively monitored and analysed for continuous improvement, examples having been implemented for the benefit of promotion and learner support. Dan Prest, the IOG’s head of member services, said: “The IOG is delighted to have retained the quality mark of the Matrix Standard, which reinforces the excellent levels of service we provide to ensure we ‘serve our members through the seasons’.”