Last week, experts from the 28 member states of the EU attended a closed-door meeting to discuss the renewal of the glyphosate licence. However, the decision on extending the approval for another 15 years has been delayed as a number of large member states abstained.

If the committee cannot come to a common ground, the sale of glyphosate products such as Roundup could be banned before the end of the year.

Seventeen member states in favour

At the meeting, an indicative vote was held where it is understood that only 17 member states indicated they would vote in favour of renewing the licence for the most widely used herbicide in the world. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Ireland indicated it would vote in favour.

It is also understood that three members voted against while eight members – including Germany – abstained, which is largely seen as a negative vote.

Member states France, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands had made it known before last week’s meeting that they would vote against, despite the European Commission recommending renewing the licence.

June expiry

The EU needs to make a decision in the coming weeks to prevent a legal vacuum when the approval expires at the end of June. Last year, a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), IARC, classified glyphosate as a “probable” human carcinogen. However, the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classify glyphosate as non-carcinogenic.

This has caused a row within the industry over the scientific methodology and political influence. It also appears that there are splits between national environment and agricultural ministries across Europe where national environmental groups are influencing the decision at European Commission level.

A further discussion is expected to continue at another session later in spring.