By Andi Anderson
The European Union (EU) has granted a 10-year extension to the approval of glyphosate, a controversial herbicide that has been at the center of debates over its potential health risks. The decision, which comes with new conditions and restrictions, follows a stalemate among EU member states on whether to renew or reject the approval.
The European Commission, the EU's executive body, stated that it will proceed with the renewal of glyphosate's approval "subject to certain new conditions and restrictions." These include a prohibition of pre-harvest use as a desiccant and the implementation of measures to protect non-target organisms. EU member states retain the authority to impose additional restrictions on glyphosate use at the national and regional levels.
The Glyphosate Renewal Group, an industry consortium that includes major agrochemical companies like Bayer and Syngenta, welcomed the EU's decision. The group emphasized the safety of glyphosate, citing decades of scientific assessments by leading health regulatory bodies worldwide. They also highlighted the herbicide's importance in maintaining a secure food supply and facilitating sustainable farming practices.
Bayer, the company that produces Roundup, the most widely used glyphosate-based herbicide, previously announced plans to phase out its sale in the U.S. residential market starting in 2023. However, the company remains committed to providing glyphosate to professional and agricultural users in the U.S. and other markets.
The EU's decision to extend glyphosate's approval underscores the complex interplay between agricultural productivity, environmental protection, and public health concerns. While the herbicide is considered essential for weed control and crop production, its potential risks continue to raise debates among scientists, policymakers, and the public.
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Categories: Michigan, Crops