The European Commission has decided not to renew the approval for metribuzin, an active ingredient in some herbicides, due to potential health and environmental risks. The non-renewal, effective as per Regulation (EU) 2024/2806, will affect member states starting from November 2024, with a complete phase-out by November 2025.
Why the Non-Renewal?
The decision follows the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) findings. The EFSA concluded that metribuzin poses risks as an endocrine disruptor, potentially affecting thyroid function in humans. Additionally, exposure risks to bystanders and residents exceeded safety limits, and insufficient data could not rule out high risks to bees.
Impact on Agriculture and Regulation
The Commission stressed that alternative methods, both chemical and non-chemical, are available for weed control, even if some might have economic limitations. Member states must now withdraw authorisations for products containing metribuzin by May 2025, with a maximum grace period extending until November 2025.
What This Means for Farmers
Farmers relying on metribuzin must transition to other herbicides or non-chemical methods, adapting cultivation practices. The EU has mandated sufficient withdrawal time to facilitate this shift.
