Brexit blamed

The European Commission did not make a decision on the renewal of the glyphosate authorisation at its meeting today due to the political upheaval caused by Britain’s vote to leave the EU, according to a report by EU Food Policy (no direct link, subscription only).

EU Food Policy says it looks as if the Commission may now use the written procedure whereby Commissioners just sign off on a decision to extend the current authorisation for 12–18 months until the European Chemicals Agency delivers its assessment of glyphosate.

The current authorisation expires on 30 June, so the Commission will have to make a speedy decision to avoid glyphosate herbicides being withdrawn from the market.