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Biotechnology
EU law ‘woefully inadequate’ for GM insects, Lords say
Est. 3minBritain should challenge "woefully inadequate" European regulations and launch field trials of genetically modified insects designed to wipe out disease-carrying bugs that harm crops and people, lawmakers said on Thursday (16 December).
EU says cancer risk from popular weedkiller ‘unlikely’
Est. 2minThe EU's food safety agency on Thursday (12 November) said that one of the world's most popular weedkillers was "unlikely" to cause cancer, putting it at odds with findings by the UN.
Agri-giants pull GM maize out of Germany
Est. 3minFour large seed companies will no longer grow genetically modified maize in Germany. "We have achieved our goal," said Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt on Tuesday (3 November). EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU lawmakers reject national bans on GM food, feed imports
Est. 4minLegislators on Wednesday (28 October) rejected by a huge majority a hard-won compromise that would have allowed member states to decide for themselves whether or not to import Genetically Modified Organisms for use in food and animal feed.
New plant breeding techniques: Innovation breakthrough or GMOs in disguise?
Est. 8minSPECIAL REPORT / 'New plant breeding techniques' focus on developing new seed traits within a given species through genetic engineering. A troubling question for policymakers is whether these techniques should fall under GMO legislation.
Commission: Organic farming ‘not enough’ to address food security
Est. 8minSPECIAL REPORT / Organic farming has a role to play in the new Common Agricultural Policy, but it cannot address the perplexing issue of food security, an EU spokesperson said.
MEPs reject GM crop compromise ‘on technical grounds’
Est. 3minEU lawmakers rejected yesterday (13 October) a hard-won compromise which allows member states to decide for themselves whether or not to import Genetically Modified Organisms for use in food and animal feed.
15 member states opt out of GMO culture
Est. 3minFifteen of the 28 EU member states are seeking to keep genetically-modified organisms out of all or part of their territory, as the deadline for opting out of new European legislation on GMO crops nears, the bloc's executive arm said yesterday (1 October).
Germany opts out of growing GMO crops
Est. 2minGermany has told the European Union it will ban cultivation of crops with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), under new European Union rules allowing member states to opt out of GMO cultivation, a document seen by Reuters showed yesterday (30 September).
GMOs take root as a controversial answer to hunger in Africa
Est. 4minSPECIAL REPORT / For some experts, genetically modified organisms are the answer to Africa's harsh climate and low agricultural productivity. But for critics, dependence on powerful seed companies outweighs the benefits. EURACTIV France reports.
Agriculture MEPs vote to safeguard GM food and feed imports
Est. 3minThe European Parliament's Agriculture Committee has added to the confusion surrounding GM crops in Europe by recommending rejection of a proposal that would allow member states to limit or ban imports of genetically modified food and feed. EURACTIV Italy reports.
Latvia, Greece win opt-out from Monsanto GM crop
Est. 3minMonsanto said it would abide by Latvia's and Greece's requests under a new EU opt-out law to be excluded from its application to grow a genetically modified (GM) crop across the European Union, but accused them of ignoring science.
Germany initiates move to ban GMO crops
Est. 2minGermany has instigated a move to stop the growing of genetically modified crops under new European Union rules, according to official documents.
Scotland to issue formal ban on genetically modified crops
Est. 5minScottish ministers are planning to formally ban genetically modified crops from being grown in Scotland, widening a policy divide with the Conservative government in London.
No need for new rules to protect butterflies from GM pollen, EU report says
Est. 3minEuropean food safety officials found there was no need to widen buffer zones around genetically modified (GM) crops, even though research shows that pollen from GM maize can travel kilometres further than previously thought.
German states draft bill for nationwide GMO ban
Est. 5minFive state governments in Germany are putting pressure on Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt, introducing a bill for a nationwide ban on GMOs instead of his “patchwork” proposal. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Biopharmaceuticals booming in Germany despite GMO controversy
Est. 4minModern pharmaceuticals are no longer exclusively produced in a chemicals laboratory, but are often developed using live cells. In Germany, such biopharmaceuticals are being sold and prescribed at an ever increasing rate – despite widespread scepticism over GMOs in Germany. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Worries mount as European Parliament sits idle
Est. 6minEXCLUSIVE / The European Parliament's legislative vacuum is frustrating both national and European politicians. While MEPs are forced to vote on hollow resolutions, France has lodged a complaint with the President Martin Schulz. EURACTIV France reports.
Germany sceptical of national import ban on GM foods
Est. 3minDespite overwhelming public disapproval of genetically modified crops, the Merkel government is reluctant to prohibit imports of GM soy and corn. EURACTIV Germany reports.
US trade negotiator ‘very disappointed’ at European GM food ban
Est. 2minUS Trade Representative Michael Froman expressed disappointment on Wednesday (22 April) that the European Commission has decided to let member states have 'opt-outs' on imports of genetically-modified food and feed.
EU proposal on GMO food criticised by Greenpeace, industry
Est. 4minThe European Commission's proposed new rules on the approval of food derived from genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), published on Wednesday (22 April), have immediately attracted criticism from both environment NGOs and the agribusiness sector.
European Commission clarifies new GMO import rules
Est. 2minEXCLUSIVE / An internal document seen by EURACTIV discloses Commission plans to give member states the final say on whether or not to accept GMO imports. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission prepares minimal reform of GMO imports
Est. 3minEXCLUSIVE / The European executive plans to present a new legal framework for GMO imports by the end of the month. Member states could be given the final say over imports, a possibility that disappoints environmentalists. EURACTIV France reports.
German government quarrels over GMO cultivation ban
Est. 5minAgriculture Minister Christian Schmidt hopes to create a legislative framework that would cover cultivation bans on genetically modified plants, but leave them up to the regions. Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, meanwhile, is insisting on a national GMO ban. EURACTIV Germany reports.