Reds and Greens rally against modified corn
Aftenposten (Norway), 4 June 2008
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2464369.ece

The Socialist Left Party (SV) and agrarian Centre Party (SP) are in an uproar against the import of genetically modified corn. The Directorate for Nature Management has recommended that two types of modified corn be allowed for use as food, fodder and further processing, but not for cultivation.

Lars Haltbrekken, leader of the environmental group Norges Naturvernforbund (Friends of the Earth Norway), supports the Directorate in their ban on growing modified crops, but rejects import as being hypocritical.

"We worry about the spread of modified plants in Norway, but by allowing their import we encourage their production abroad. This can lead to the spread of these organisms in those countries", says Haltbrekken to the newspaper Nationen.

The Directorate for Nature Management says "no" to the import of genetically modified rape seed. Eleven other import permits are currently being processed. All have previously been approved by the EU. Eight apply to various types of corn. The other three are for rape seed, cloves and soybeans.

"Even if the EU buys genetically modified corn, it doesn’t mean that we have to," adds Haltbrekken.

Aftenposten English Web Desk / NTB