A brief survey of garden centres by GTN Xtra this week failed to find evidence of so-called ‘brandalism’ by activists campaigning for a ban on glyphosate-based weedkillers.

The action group Global Justice Now has been urging its website users to order from them dummy Roundup labels carrying a “probably causes cancer” warning and apply them to stock in their local garden centre or supermarket. The labels also claim the product “degrades farmers’ powers so corporations can grow”. The website claims “hundreds” have been ordered from “all over the UK”.

The group wants the European Commission to abandon plans to reissue the licence for glyphosate later in May, following opposition from MEPs and research claiming the active ingredient probably causes cancer. The manufacturers, Monsanto, and the European Food Safety Authority, dispute the findings and say glyphosate is one of the safest weed controls.

Garden centres approached by GTN Xtra said there had been no instances of 'brandalism' to date. None agreed to be named in case they then became targets.
"Our garden care fixtures are pretty well monitored most of the time because the information desk is nearby," said one leading operator. "So the chances of somebody  getting away with sticking labels on stuff without us seeing is remote. We're on good terms with the local police so we'd have them sorted out in no time." He said he had no plans to remove Roundup from sale because of the alleged health issues. "They've spent millions on testing the stuff to get it approved in the first place so as far as I'm concerned, the dangers are tiny. But as with all chemicals, you've got to use it properly. As it says, read the label!"