The EU has said it will only extend its approval of glyphosate if there is enough support from Member States.
European Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said it was up to national governments to agree an extension on the popular herbicide.
He told reporters: "I wanted to make clear that the Commission has no intention to reapprove this substance without the support of a qualified majority of member states. This is and will remain a shared responsibility."
A committee of experts from EU nations will hold their first discussion of the issue today (19 July), with a vote expected later in the year.
The Commission will propose extending by 10 years its approval of glyphosate.
Bitter row
Glyphosate is an active substance in the production of herbicides, and has been used by the majority of British farmers for weed control over the past 40 years.
In November 2015, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that glyphosate is “unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans.”
But a bitter transatlantic row over possible risks to human health has prompted investigations by congressional committees in the U.S. and in Europe.
UK farming unions have been active on this issue, and have said they will continue to work to ensure the facts about glyphosate’s safety and its importance are 'fully understood' in the run up to the European Commission confirming its decision on the licence.
