Genetically Modified crops: Environment ministers must not force lifting of GMO maize ban
EU environment ministers will decide next Monday, 2 March, on a proposal by the European Commission to force Austria and Hungary to lift their ban on the cultivation of a variety of genetically modified (GM) maize (1), while France and Greece could also be forced to lift their bans on the same crop later on. The European Commission is also proposing to approve the cultivation of two new GM maize varieties (2), with a vote expected at a forthcoming Council of EU agriculture ministers. Commenting on this situation, Monica Frassoni, Co-President of the Greens/EFA group said.
"EU environment ministers must not ignore the will of the overwhelming majority of EU citizens (3). People simply don't want GMO crops and food and with good reason: research is emerging all the time on the potential dangers of GMOs for human and animal health and the environment. For the maize variety in question (MON 810) a growing number of mainstream scientific studies have demonstrated damaging environmental effects.
"To make the situation even more absurd, the approval for Monsanto's MON 810 has expired and the required re-evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not yet taken place. To force member states to lift the ban on a GM crop for which the authorisation has expired would be irresponsible and kafkaesque.
"The Greens call on the as yet undecided member states to vote against the proposal to force Austria and Greece to lift the ban. To overrule the Commission's proposal a two-thirds majority in Council is needed. Only clearly voting against will suffice as an abstention in practice counts as an approval of the coercion measures against the two countries.
"Environment ministers must wait for the proposed review of the present GMO approval system before taking any further decision. This should lead to a substantial improvement of the risk assessment of GM crops. This review was supported unanimously by all 27 member states in December 2008."
Notes to editors:
1) Austria, Hungary, France and Greece have introduced safeguard measures against Monsanto Maize MON810, the only GM crop currently allowed for cultivation in the EU.
2) GM maize varieties Syngenta Bt11 and Pioneer 1507.
3) According to Eurobarometer March 2008: Hungary 70% against GMOs, Austria 62%, France 70% and Greece 77%
