News Crop protection
Glyphosate authorized again for 10 years
The license of the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate has been extended for ten years in the European Union. The European Commission decided to this effect on Thursday, November 16. The European member states were unable to reach a majority for admission or rejection of re-registration. The Commission therefore decides to re-register.
In mid-October there was also no majority for re-registration reached in Brussels. A new round of voting had the same result. Because all studies and information provided have shown that use of the drug is safe, the European Commission has decided that a ten-year re-registration is justified.
No majority
Despite the fact that large European member states such as Germany, France and Italy are not in favor of re-registration of the controversial herbicide, it was not possible to get a clear yes or no on the table in Brussels during the Scopaff consultation. At least fifteen of the member states must be unanimous in their response to reach a 65% majority. The European Commission therefore decides on the re-registration. As previously known, she is positive about the results of all studies.
In concrete terms, this means that agricultural entrepreneurs in the EU may use glyphosate, also known under the brand name RoundUp, until at least December 2033. The current registration expired in mid-December. Supporters are happy with the news. They cite the many studies (16.000!) that have shown time and time again that use of the drug is not harmful to humans, animals and nature. Glyphosate makes the use of non-inversion tillage and direct sowing much easier, which increases soil fertility and prevents erosion. Opponents point out that not enough research has been done into the long-term effects and previous claims that glyphosate can cause cancer and Parkinson's.
symbool
Glyphosate has come to symbolize the fight against chemical crop protection products worldwide, led by NGOs and others. The European Commission says in its decision that it is required by law to decide on the re-registration before the current period ends. Because no majority was reached, she opted for a ten-year re-registration. It relies on information provided by the food watchdog EFSA and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). In addition, since 2019, the Assement Group on Glyphosate (AGG) has been working on assessing its safety and use. The Netherlands is one of the member states that is part of this group.
Can glyphosate proponents now breathe a sigh of relief? That is not entirely the case. Member states are ultimately responsible for registering active substances in their country. France, Germany and Austria, for example, previously announced that they would partially or completely ban the drug. In some countries this is already (partly) the case. Admission at European level does not necessarily mean that the drug is available.
Tightened requirements
The re-registration has some implications for the use of the drug compared to the current authorization. For example, glyphosate may no longer be used in so-called pre-harvest spraying. It also places responsibilities on the Member States, which must conduct their own research into risks to nature and the environment. The maximum permitted dose is also being examined more strictly. Member states must report the impact on biodiversity in their country to the Commission, which will have the necessary guidelines drawn up by EFSA.
Outgoing Agriculture Minister Piet Adema previously announced that he would abstain from voting, despite pressure from the House of Representatives to vote against. Adema stated in his explanation that if new research shows that the drug indeed poses a danger to public health, a ban should be imposed immediately. The Commission also endorses this in its ruling.
Niels van der Boom
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