The European Commission will continue the use of the controversial chemical herbicide glyphosate in the European Union for 10 more years after the 27 member countries again failed to find a common position for or against a prolongation.

Representatives of EU states were unable to reach a decision last month, and a new vote by an appeal committee was again unconclusive on Thursday. Because of the deadlock, the EU’s executive arm said it will endorse its own proposal and renew the approval of glyphosate for 10 years, with new conditions attached.

“These restrictions include a prohibition of pre-harvest use as a desiccant and the need for certain measures to protect non-target organisms,” it said in a statement.

The chemical, which is widely used in the bloc to the great anger of environment groups, had been approved in the EU market until mid-December.

  • @feedum_sneedson
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    21 year ago

    “Controversial”.

    I’m telling you, it’s great and judicious use in land preparation is a very good idea in setting up conservation agriculture systems.

    It’s got to be the least harmful pesticide of any sort, it is very peculiar how it has been singled out over the years.