Greenpeace comment on Commission extension of glyphosate licence

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2016-06-30

The European Commission has extended a licence for glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller, until the end of 2017, when the European Chemicals Agency is expected to complete an assessment of glyphosate’s effects on human health and the environment.

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Commenting on the Commission’s decision, Greenpeace EU food policy director Franziska Achterberg said: “The EU has decided to extend the use of glyphosate without any meaningful restriction, despite WHO warnings that it is a probable cause of cancer. This reckless decision was driven by a Commission that has lost touch with European citizens, quietly backed by many national governments.

The end of 2017 is just around the corner. National and regional governments, and the European Commission, should start preparing a glyphosate exit plan as soon as possible.”

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in Europe. Its use has been linked to serious health concerns and loss of wildlife.

Source: Greenpeace EU Unit

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