An impasse between EU nations on whether to allow Monsanto's Roundup and similar weed-killers to continue to be sold means that the European Commission, rather than national politicians, will decide the issue this week.
With most EU attention focused on Britain's shock decision to quit the bloc, everyday work continued in Brussels on Friday where an "appeal's committee" of representatives from the 28 member states failed to agree on whether to extend the license for the herbicide glyphosate after it expires next week.
Contradictory findings on the carcinogenic risks of the chemical have pitted farming and chemical lobbies against consumer and environmental groups.
The European Crop Protection Association said banning the chemical could harm farmers, increase food prices and damage the environment. But lingering safety concerns made some EU countries reluctant to approve its continued use.
The Commission - after failing to win support for a 15-year renewal of the license - had offered a 12 to 18 month extension to allow time for a further study by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Source: www.agprofessional.com