A recent article in the International Herald Tribune, headlined "Europe closes ranks on bioengineered food", notes the absence of GM foods from European supermarkets and quotes a spokesman for GM giant Syngenta, "We have no illusion that the market will change anytime soon. That will only be created by consumer acceptance in Europe. There is currently no inclination among European consumers to buy these things."
http://www.iht.com/articles/542151.htm

Among technocrats, however, it's another matter. Mark Cantley, an Adviser in the Directorate for Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food) in the Research Directorate-General of the European Commission, has written, 'we in Europe are strongly committed to biotech, and have a clear strategy for its promotion and diffusion'.

Here's an excellent briefing document on how to oppose the latest attempt at diffusion.
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STOP THE CROP
Ban the growing of Monsanto's maize
www.gmofree-europe.org

The European Commission has put 17 varieties of a genetically modified (GM) maize on what is called the common catalogue of seeds. This means that these seeds can now be bought and planted by farmers across the whole of the European Union. This is the first time GM seeds have been added to the common catalogue and opens the door for GM crops to be grown on a large scale across Europe. This briefing shows that countries can use EU law to ban these seeds or to put in place conditions restricting the way they can be grown. This is a one-off chance for countries and regions to remain GM free.

What seeds?
The 17 different seed varieties are derived from the GM event called MON810. This is a GM maize made by Monsanto that has been genetically modified to produce an insect toxin (called Bt). MON810 was approved for commercial growing in the EU in 1998 but has only been on the national seed lists of France and Spain. The only place in Europe where the GM seed has been grown commercially is Spain.

How can we stop them?
Articles 16 and 18 of the EU Directive EC/2002/53 (which deals with the common catalogue) state the grounds whereby member states can apply to prohibit the use of a variety or to lay down conditions for their cultivation . In particular a member state can apply if:

a)the cultivation could be harmful to the cultivation of other varieties or species; or
b)where the variety is not comparable with varieties grown in that country, or where it is not suitable for cultivation because of its maturity class; or
c)"where it has valid reasons other than those already mentioned for considering that the variety presents a risk for human health or the environment"

Maturity class
The varieties of MON810 are largely suited for a Southern climate and would not generally be suitable for cultivation in northern regions or countries because of the climate or because the target insect is not a problem pest in the north. Nevertheless, this is no guarantee that farmers will not plant them in any part of a country, if only to "try out" the new varieties. In addition it is unlikely that MON810 would be comparable on agronomic terms with maize varieties already accepted in these northern countries.

Risk to the environment
MON810 was approved under the old EU Directive for GM plants (called EC/90/220). There was no obligation to carry out a thorough environmental risk assessment and the Directive was eventually strengthened. The newly amended Directive (now called EC/2001/18) enforces a risk assessment that includes looking at the long-term and indirect effects of growing GM crops maize. In the absence of such assessments, the effects on the environment of growing MON810 are largely unknown.

Since approving the MON810 in 1998 there have been a host of studies that have shown alarming results, for example:
*A study by Swiss researchers found fewer flying insects in Bt maize fields. Flying insects are important food sources for insect-eating birds and bats.
*A study published in 2003 found that earthworms feeding on Bt maize litter showed a weight loss compared to a weight gain in earthworms feeding on non GM maize. Earthworms are extremely important for nutrient cycling in soils.
*A study in Switzerland found that the Bt toxin could still be detected in soil the following year after the Bt maize was harvested.

Allowing MON810 to be grown under the old directive is a potential threat to the environment and makes a mockery of existing legislation. Given the new information that has emerged since MON810 received approval in 1998, it is questionable whether the marketing consent will be renewed in 2006 as required by Directive 2001/18.

No co-existence measures
Apart from a new law in Denmark, there are currently no co-existence measures in place to prevent the adventitious presence of GM in other products ie to stop contamination. The growing of MON810 could therefore lead to contamination of non-GM maize crops and the food chain.

Safety questions remain
MON810 is a relatively old GM crop, approved in Europe in 1998. Last year when the UK Government re-examined the data on MON810 it concluded that, "the UK considers that further consideration in the risk assessment of MON 810 is appropriate." They stated that basic information about the GM component ie what novel genes it actually contains is not clear. MON810 should not be allowed to be planted in Europe's fields until its safety is guaranteed.

No public registers or accountability
Because MON810 was approved under the old European directive there is no legal obligation on Monsanto, or farmers wishing to grow the GM maize, to tell anyone even Governments - if they have planted GM maize. Conventional and organic farmers could therefore find their crops contaminated, leading to financial loss if the contamination is detected. Monsanto's maize should not be allowed to be grown whilst Governments, farmers and the public are kept in the dark. Neighbouring farmers must be told in advance if GM maize is to be planted nearby.

In view of the scientific doubts about the safety of MON810 and the fact that that the EU marketing consent will have to be renewed in 2006, Governments should take immediate steps to ensure that no varieties of this maize are grown in their areas. Strict conditions and a proper environmental risk assessment should be enforced to ensure that contamination is prevented, the environment is protected and people’s right to choose GM free food is guaranteed.

Please feel free to distribute this briefing. For more information on GM Free Europe see www.gmofree-europe.org. We would be grateful if you could send us any translations you do of this briefing so that we can publish them on our website. This will help other people from your country take action.

For more information please contact Friends of the Earth Europe, Rue Blanche 15, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Telephone +32 2 542 01 80, Fax +32 2 537 55 96, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.foeeurope.org.