In March, ECHA already expressed a positive opinion about a re-registration of glyphosate in the European Union. The European Commission also sees an extension of the herbicide for a period of 10 years. That news is expected to be officially announced soon. After that, the drug still has one major hurdle to overcome.
The re-registration of glyphosate has now become a headache for Brussels. The herbicide is under constant attack. Mainly by environmental organizations. Almost a year ago, the European Commission ruled that more research was needed into the safety of glyphosate. The spokesperson for the European Commissioner for Food Safety reports today, May 17, that an agreement has been reached on the extension.
From 15 to 10
In March, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) already spoke positive about the re-registration. They judge that there is no relationship between glyphosate and the disease cancer. The original re-registration was valid for a period of 15 years. Later, 7 years was mentioned and now, according to sources, the European Commissioner is talking about a period of 10 years, because of the conclusion that ECHA has made.
One obstacle
The weed killer now has to clear 1 big obstacle. After the European Commission has come out with an official proposal, an executive committee must make a final decision. The agricultural ministries of various EU Member States are represented in this committee. It is expected that this proposal will not deviate much from the current advice. The Member States can each determine their own position. That's happening this summer. A final decision is not expected until the end of 2017.
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