"The reporting seen on 60 minutes was sensationalist and misleading," VFF president David Jochinke said.

"The reporter asks interviewees if they would drink glyphosate, as if that's a measure of the safety of the product. Of course you should not drink glyphosate, but that does not mean it isn't safe to use as a herbicide.

"You also shouldn't drink dishwashing liquid, multi-purpose cleaner or fly-spray. Yet we all have these chemicals in our homes and understand that they are safe to use for their intended applications.

"Like all agricultural chemicals, glyphosate must be handled with care, used in line with manufacturer's instructions, and operators should wear personal protection."

Mr Jochinke said Australia has a rigorous, science-based approach to regulation.

"That ensures agricultural chemicals are independently assessed by the Australia Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority," he said.

"Similarly, our registration system is supported by a range of post-market surveillance and review activities that ensure our produce is the best in world.

"Furthermore, every science-based regulator around the world, including the APVMA, Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority, the European Chemicals Agency, New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues reached the same conclusion- finding glyphosate as safe for human, animal and environmental health when used according to label instructions.

"Sustainably producing safe food is the core purpose of agriculture. The VFF will continue to be led by the scientific consensus and by the Australian regulator, the APVMA, on safe, responsible use of glyphosate and other agricultural chemicals to produce the best food possible," he said.