Commission should withdraw its proposals for GMO cultivation

An appeal committee of national experts yesterday voted on the European Commission’s proposals to authorize the cultivation of three GM maize varieties and the import of a range of GM maize varieties for use in feed and food. They failed to reach a qualified majority in favour or against, so the decision will return to the Commission. The European Parliament's Environment Committee voted against their approval last week.

Commenting on the vote, Green food safety spokesperson Bart Staes said:

"With the European Parliament opposed, experts from Member States unable to reach consensus, and many EU countries having already banned cultivation on their own soil, the European Commission cannot give these GMOs the green light for cultivation.

"The Commission should withdraw its proposals, and focus its energy on developing a safer and more sustainable agriculture that would better meet the needs of Europe's farmers and consumers."