European Commission Proposes 10-Year Renewal of Controversial Herbicide Glyphosate, Drawing Criticism from Environmental Groups

The European Commission has proposed to renew the use of the controversial herbicide glyphosate in the European Union (EU) for 10 years, according to a text published on Wednesday. The proposal will be discussed by the EU's 27 member states on Friday and will need approval from a weighted majority of countries on October 13. The current authorization for glyphosate expired in December 2022 but was extended by a year pending a scientific study.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated in July that there were no critical concerns preventing glyphosate from being reauthorized, which drew criticism from environmental groups. Environmental activists argue that there is scientific evidence linking glyphosate to cancer, harm to aquatic life, and negative impacts on pollinators like bees. They accuse the EU of prioritizing industry interests over health and the environment.

The commission's proposal would authorize the use of glyphosate until December 15, 2033, which is double the previous five-year authorization period, but less than the initially planned 15-year period. To mitigate the risks associated with glyphosate use, the proposal includes several measures. These include the requirement for a non-sprayed buffer strip of five to 10 meters in fields and the use of equipment that significantly reduces spray drift. The EFSA report identified gaps in data and highlighted a high long-term risk to mammals in 12 out of 23 proposed uses of glyphosate.

Member states, responsible for issuing permits and setting conditions of use, are urged to pay close attention to the environmental effects and impact on small mammals. The new proposal also prohibits glyphosate's use for desiccation, the process of drying a crop before harvest. The European Chemicals Agency previously stated that there was insufficient scientific evidence to classify glyphosate as a carcinogen. However, critics argue that the commission's proposal does not align with the EFSA's conclusions and fails to impose necessary restrictions on the herbicide's usage.

In the past, Luxembourg banned glyphosate in 2020, but the ban was overturned by the courts earlier this year. This proposal for glyphosate's renewal comes at a time when negotiations for a law imposing binding pesticide reduction targets in the EU are ongoing. Critics argue that the proposal undermines efforts to safeguard biodiversity and ensure long-term food security. The discussions among member states will be crucial in determining the fate of glyphosate's reauthorization and its implications for the environment and public health.