A controversial vote that will have huge implications for the chemicals used on Irish farms was postponed at the last minute by the European Commission last week.

The debate centres on the definition for endocrine disruptors, characteristics of chemicals that have the potential to interfere with the human hormone system and are hence classified as a potential hazard.

This has become a serious issue for the chemical registration process in the EU, as a substance is no longer deemed to be safe if it represents a potential hazard, regardless of whether or not it is likely to present a real risk to humans.

The definition chosen will affect chemicals used on Irish farms for cereals, fruit and vegetables, but it is only when the final definition is confirmed that we will know which spray ingredients and brand names will be lost to the market.

A draft document defining endocrine disruptors was due to be put to a vote by the European Commission at the standing committee last week.

No qualified majority

However, the vote was postponed when it became apparent that a qualified majority would not be obtained in favour of the proposal.

Regardless of what the final definition will be, any definition is likely to result in a significant loss of chemical actives and far more commercial products for farmers.

Member states are at odds with each other on the issues, with some MEPs expressing concerns about the effect on farmers and the agricultural trade, but other MEPs are demanding even tougher criteria for the definition.

So far, Commission officials have ruled out the idea of including potency in the new definition or of adding additional categories such as “suspected” endocrine disruptors.

Talks aimed at breaking the deadlock are set to continue but no date has been fixed as yet.