The American Soybean Association (ASA) was pleased to hear the news on June 29 that the European Commission came to the decision to re-extend authorization of glyphosate for a year and a half. The ASA understands it is only a temporary decision but it is still one which gives American farmers certainty in the European marketplace.
“An 18-month extension gives U.S. farmers and exporters the assurance that they will at least have access to the European market for that period of time,” said ASA President Richard Wilkins. “Clearly that’s not the certainty the industry needs, but it’s better than nothing. That said, we are still extraordinarily frustrated by the unscientific approach in the EU. Remember, the European Food Safety Authority found that glyphosate is safe. Given this repeatedly proven fact, it’s a relief that the Commission decided to step in and issue this reauthorization, even after the Council of Ministers was unable to find the support among its members to affirm the EFSA finding. Continued progress is needed, however. A logical and welcomed next step will be for the EU to finalize approval of the three pending biotech varieties. With that approval, our farmers can move forward with the certainty they need.”
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