EU set to renew weed killer licence

The European Commission will propose extending by 10 years its approval for weed-killer glyphosate, used in Monsanto’s Roundup, a spokeswoman said.

A transatlantic row over possible risks to human health has prompted investigations by congressional committees in the US, and in Europe has forced a delay to a relicensing decision for Monsanto’s big-selling Roundup herbicide.

A study issued in March by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) paved the way for the Commission’s decision to restart negotiations with EU nations over renewing the licence for glyphosate, despite opposition from environmental groups.