The new attempt to temporarily extend the use of the controversial herbicide glyphosate has failed so far. The EU Commission’s responsible committee formally opposed the extension on Friday, the German Agriculture Ministry announced. However, the Commission can also decide on a temporary extension under its own responsibility and had already come out in favor of a short-term extension.
Chemical companies have already applied for a new approval but have yet to complete a risk assessment. It is not expected until mid-2023, because while the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted its assessment of the plant protection product in May and left the existing classification unchanged, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has yet to classify it, was issued delayed to July 2023. However, ECHA has now concluded that the herbicide is toxic to aquatic life, but not carcinogenic.
criticism of the Commission
Sebastian Theissing-Matei, agriculture expert at Greenpeace Austria, called it a “scandal that the European Commission wants to allow glyphosate for at least another year, despite the lack of a risk assessment. Glyphosate will likely be sprayed on fields for more a year. toxins from carcinogenic plants in our food,” he said. Glyphosate is currently authorized in the EU until December 15th.
In Austria, the National Council unanimously passed a partial ban on glyphosate in May last year. It can no longer be used in sensitive locations such as playgrounds, parks, elderly care facilities or healthcare facilities. Houses and small areas of garden and private use are also affected. However, it remains permitted in agriculture, where it is by far the most used.