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EU delays decision again on herbicide glyphosate

EU farming unions Copa and Cogeca have stepped up their action to have the herbicide glyphosate re-authorised for fifteen years.

Ahead of talks next week, the representative bodies called on Member States to re-authorise the widely used weed killer, particularly as both the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency have given it a positive assessment

Copa and Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen said: “We have strong scientific evidence from both EFSA and ECHA to support the re-authorization of this widely-used active substance for 15 years as there are no safety concerns.

"Its use is also essential together with catch crops to prevent soil erosion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," he added, warning that leaving a long-term question mark over it would put EU farmers in a less competitive and uncertain position vis a vis their competitors in non-EU countries.

COCERAL secretary-general Teresa Babuscio added: "Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the EU and worldwide, enabling farmers to produce safe, affordable, quality food. We urge Member States and the European Commission to re-authorise for the full fifteen years as set out in EU legislation."