Greece extends ban on Monsanto biotech corn type, despite EU ruling

The Associated Press, January 30, 2006 http://news.tmcnet.com/news/2006/01/30/1325378.htm

Greece on Monday extended its ban on a variety of genetically modified corn seed developed by the U.S. biotech giant Monsanto, despite an European Union order earlier this month for Athens to lift the initial ban.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kondos signed a decision prohibiting the sale in Greece, over the next 18 months, of 31 strains of the MON810 seed type, an Agriculture Ministry announcement said.

This included 17 types listed in the initial ban, in April 2005.

"This decision has much stronger legal foundations than the earlier one, as it contains new scientific data and findings," the announcement said.

"It also draws attention to the need for authorities in each EU member-state to be given enough time to weigh the dangers inherent in growing genetically modified crops."

The European Commission ruled on Jan. 10 that Greece's initial prohibition of MON810 seed types was not warranted on health or safety grounds following the biotech seed's approval for sale across the EU in September 2004.

But the Agriculture Ministry said cultivation of the biotech seeds "poses an immediate threat to the environment," by disturbing biodiversity and spreading genetically modified pollen to traditional corn crops.

Monday's decision drew praise from Greek environmentalists.

"We applaud the fact that Greece remains a pioneer in the long struggle against genetically modified crops," said a joint statement by the local Greenpeace branch and other groups." (The decision) is in tune with the sensitivities of most Greek citizens."