Pesticide manufacturers and farm groups have expressed relief at the EU Commission’s decision - announced late on Tuesday - to extend the European license for glyphosate herbicide for a further 18 months, though the EU executive failed to gain the support of a qualified majority of member states in prior negotiations and the European Parliament voted for strict restrictions to be placed on the embattled herbicide in April.

Glyphosate’s license was due to expire at the end of June, and after an eleventh hour Appeals Committee vote ended in deadlock last week, the final decision passed to the Commission. The widely used herbicide has become embroiled in controversy over evidence that it may cause cancer in humans.

On Tuesday, Nick von Westenholz, chief executive of the Crop Protection Association, which represents pesticide manufacturers, said, “It is disappointing that Member States have forced the Commission into this position by ignoring the science and advice of expert regulators. The indecision of Member States and the need for an extension demonstrates how politicised this process has become. Nevertheless, it will be a relief to farmers that they will be able to continue to use this crucial tool, at least in the short-term.”

He said, “The expiration of the approval at the end of June would have had serious consequences for UK farmers who rely on glyphosate as a cornerstone of sustainable, productive agriculture. Whilst that situation has been averted for now, we urge Member States to take the sensible, science led decision to re-licence this safe, efficient and effective product for the full 15 year period once the 18 month extension has expired.”

However, environmentalists and EU Parliamentarians who called for tight restrictions on glyphosate have reacted with fury at EU Health Commissioner Andriukaitas’ 'technical extension’, which they believe has steamrollered public concern and the EU’s democratic process. The extension was granted to allow the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) time to deliver its findings on glyphosate, which Commissioner Andriukaitas hopes will alleviate public concern about the product.

Green environment and food safety spokesperson Bart Staes said, ”This decision by the Commission to extend the approval of glyphosate in spite of last week's vote shows a disdain for the opposition by the public and EU governments to this controversial toxic herbicide. As perhaps the first EU decision after the UK referendum, it shows the Commission is failing to learn the clear lesson that the EU needs to finally start listening to its citizens again.

"There are clear concerns about the health risks with glyphosate, both as regards it being a carcinogen and an endocrine disruptor. Moreover, glyphosate's devastating impact on biodiversity should have already led to its ban. The process of phasing-out glyphosate and other toxic herbicides and pesticides from agriculture must begin now, and this means reorienting the EU's Common Agricultural Policy towards a more sustainable agricultural model and a Common Food Policy.”

Friends of the Earth farming campaigner Clare Oxborrow said, “Glyphosate has been given a stay of execution in Europe, but it remains the world’s most over-used herbicide. Farmers have been told that this chemical is safe – yet there is mounting evidence of the harmful impacts on our health and environment.

“Despite the Brexit vote, the Government must now see that glyphosate’s days are numbered and produce a phase-out plan for this and other damaging chemicals. Farmers urgently need independent advice and support on other ways of tackling persistent weeds that do not harm our water, soils and wild species.

“Longer term, the Government’s Brexit plans for farming must prioritise a food and farming strategy that builds a diverse, resilient system - supporting flourishing wildlife, sustainable healthy diets and thriving farmers’ livelihoods. And local authorities should follow the lead of Hammersmith and Fulham council and stop using Roundup and other weedkillers containing glyphosate in parks, gardens and schools.”
 
Under the legislation, EU member states are entitled to impose restrictions on glyphosate and the French government and a number of municipal authorities have already indicated they will do so.

The Commission's announcement came as European agriculture ministers gave their unanimous backing to a new plan to accelerate sustainable plant protection; the plan, proposed by current EU presidency the Netherlands, will promote the availability of “low-risk” plant protection products and other alternatives to damaging substances currently on the market. The Big Farm lobby has expressed concern about the availability of plant protection products in Europe, as over 40 active ingredients are up for review in the next 12 months.