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Germany's loss may lead to another country's win
DDP Landesdienste (Germany) [via Agnet]
Novermber 12, 2004

MAGDEBURG/BASEL - After disruptive efforts from environmentalists Syngenta has, according to this story, decided to not pursue any further field trials with genetically modified wheat for the time being in Germany.

A company representative was quoted as saying, "For the past two years, Syngenta has tried to promote its research projects and step up to its critics. However that did not work. Any further attempt does not make sense right now. In addition, the situation in Germany for field trials is not very conducive. The studies will probably be continued outside of Germany."

Gerhard Ruden, environmental expert with the German CDU Faction in the regional parliament, was quoted as saying, "As a result of the behavior of militant environmentalist and an undefined position by the German government, not only was Germany hurt by these developments, but also Germany's research community. Through rioting and property damage, self-proclaimed environmentalist have seen to it that research and development could move to countries that are not as responsible and
regulated as Germany is with respect to genetic engineering. Furthermore, Germany needs a reliable law for genetic engineering with clear regulatory
guidelines, otherwise thousand of future jobs are endangered."

Ralf Weber, a Green Party Leader from the Saxony region of Germany, was quoted as saying, "The government should not set itself up as a willing partner for genetic engineering. The government is betting on the wrong horse, if it makes millions in aid money available for this senseless technology."