Glyphosate Task Force Laments the Extreme Politicisation of an EU Renewal Process That is Supposed to Be Based on Science

BRUSSELS

The Glyphosate Task Force (GTF) notes that the European Commission, in the interest of avoiding an expiration of the current European authorisation for glyphosate, advanced a compromise proposal to extend the current approval period by another 18 months, until the end of 2017. This proposal was not supported by a sufficient number of Member States at the Standing Committee meeting on June 6^th.

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Maize grows amid previous crop’s stubble in a field in which glyphosate was used for weed control in lieu of plowing, which causes erosion. (Photo: Business Wire)

The sudden expiration of the approval would entail serious consequences for European farmers, who rely on glyphosate as a reliable and effective tool for weed management and the protection of crop yields.

“The indecision among Member States and the need an extension are highly regrettable and a sad sign of how politically charged the glyphosate renewal process has become,” said GTF Chairman Richard Garnett.

Considering the extensive scientific evaluation carried out by the relevant EU agencies which concluded that glyphosate poses no unacceptable risks either to human health or to the environment, the renewal should have been a straightforward process resulting in a standard 15-year renewal. The initial proposal published last week by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) also supports the conclusions, reached in all previous regulatory evaluations, that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic.

Any decision to extend the current approval, rather than vote on a proposal to re-authorise glyphosate for another 15 years, sets an unwelcome precedent. It is clear that certain Member States are no longer basing their positions on scientific evidence, which is meant to be the guiding principle of the process, as emphasised recently by Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitus.

About the Glyphosate Task Force (GTF)
The European Glyphosate Task Force (GTF) is a consortium of companies joining resources and efforts in order to renew the European glyphosate registration with a joint submission. This consortium is not to be considered a legal entity. The following companies are confirmed member of the GTF:
ADAMA Agan Ltd., Agria S.A., Agro Trade GmbH, Albaugh UK Limited, Arysta Lifesciences SAS, Barclay Chemicals (Manufacturing) Ltd., Brokden SL, Bros Spolka Jawna B. P. Miranowscy, Cheminova A/S, Coromandel International Ltd, Dow AgroSciences LLC., EXCEL CROP CARE(Europe) NV, Helm AG, Industrias Afrasa S.A., Monsanto Europe S.A./N.V., Nufarm GmbH & Co KG, Rotam Agrochemical Europe Limited,Sapec Agro S.A., Sinon Corporation, Société Financière de Pontarlier, Syngenta Limited, United Phosphorus Ltd, Wynca UK Limited. For more information please see: www.glyphosate.eu

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Claire MacCarrick, +353864117461
Hume Brophy
41 Rue de la Science
Brussels 1040
claire.maccarrick@humebrophy.com