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Article History

Received: 30 April 2024

Accepted: 5 August 2024

First Online: 19 August 2024

Declarations

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: The research contains results of communications, either emails or telephone interviews, with stakeholders from fertilizer companies operating in Finland. Respondents were made aware when contacted that they are being contacted as a part of research conducted by University of Turku on the issue of glyphosate/ herbicide residues in fertilizer raw materials. Participation in the study, including level of engagement with the researchers, was voluntary. No personal information was collected beyond name and job title of the respondent. In accordance with EU GDPR and applicable national legislation, respondent privacy has been protected. Results of the fertilizer company inquiry are presented in an anonymized fashion with identifying details removed. Professional organizations and expert individuals who provided knowledge and expertise have been acknowledged in Acknowledgements. All attributed personal communications have been verified and approved for publication by the subject.

: The empirical research of this project was paid for by Ikaalisten Luomu Oy, an organic horticultural producer. The producer approached the researchers about investigating the effect of glyphosate residue in fertilizers on tomato production after experiencing unexplained problems in production and an independent laboratory identified glyphosate residue in a batch of manure fertilizer used in the production. The horticulture producer provided the fertilizers and seedlings as well as advice on growth method. The research itself was conducted independently by the university researchers in the university’s facilities. The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest.