The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced an extension of glyphosate’s authorisation in Great Britain until 15 December 2026, providing a temporary reprieve for the widely used herbicide as its renewal application is assessed.

The decision will allow for a comprehensive review of glyphosate’s safety and efficacy.

While the future of the herbicide remains uncertain, the extension provides temporary stability for British farmers who rely on it in their daily operations.

See also: Bayer warns litigation costs threaten glyphosate

The extension follows the acceptance of the Glyphosate Renewal Group’s (GRG) application to extend the substance’s use, which includes extensive scientific data supporting glyphosate’s continued use in the UK.

As part of the process, the HSE will conduct a full assessment based on new scientific evidence, including the findings of the recent European Union (EU) renewal decision.

A spokesman for German agrochemical giant Bayer, which manufactures various glyphosate-based Roundup products and is a key member of the GRG, expressed its satisfaction with the extension, stressing the importance of glyphosate in modern agriculture.

“Glyphosate has been a cornerstone of sustainable farming in the UK for more than 50 years,” the spokesman said.

“Its combination of safety, efficacy, and affordability is unmatched, and we look forward to working closely with the HSE throughout the review process.”

Glyphosate, which has long been the subject of debate due to concerns over its potential health risks, continues to play a critical role in agricultural practices across the UK.

Despite ongoing litigation, particularly in the US, Bayer maintains that glyphosate, when used according to the label, poses no significant health risk.

“Glyphosate remains one of the most studied herbicides in the world, with an unprecedented body of scientific evidence supporting its safety,” the spokesman added.

The extension of the approval allows time for a thorough assessment, which will include a public consultation on the draft conclusion before any final renewal decision is made.

The HSE will also consider the findings of the EU’s recent assessment, which supported the continued approval of glyphosate.

Essential tool for no-till 

Farmers, particularly those in the regenerative and no-till farming sectors, have voiced concerns over the potential loss of glyphosate, which is essential for weed control before planting.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “Glyphosate is crucial for modern farming, particularly for no-till systems, and its loss would have a major impact on UK agriculture.”

The final decision on glyphosate’s long-term approval will hinge on the outcomes of further scientific evaluation and public consultation, expected in the coming months.

Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, EU plant protection regulations continue to apply directly in Northern Ireland.

The EU’s decision last November to renew glyphosate’s licence for 10 years therefore permits authorised products to be sold and used in Northern Ireland.