My understanding of the story so far: Asulam was due to be considered for re-registration on Annex 1 of the Sustainable Use Directive, which would allow us to continue using it for aerial application to control bracken. Concerns were raised about a possible food safety issue linked to Asulam's use on other plants (e.g. spinach, sugar cane). As a result, a recommendation was submitted to the EU's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health for Asulam not be re-registered. The Committee met on 11 March but due to a blocking minority of members on the Committee a discussion was postponed until the next meeting which took place yesterday and today.The result from the Standing Committee meeting is a ‘no opinion’ on the proposed non-inclusion. The blocking minority appears to have grown in size (with thanks to those who have been lobbying hard). The consequence is that this dossier becomes the first (apparently in the Commission) to be referred to the Appeal Committee, which must meet at least 14 days after notification by the Commission, and within six weeks. Apparently this is a new procedure and it is not clear how it works or who attends.
I would like to think that today's news makes light at the end of the tunnel glow a bit brighter for Asulam, but time will tell.
The stay of execution continues!
ReplyDeleteLets hope for a positive outcome. Mind you asulam is not out of the woods yet.