GMOs
EU and GMOs: The case for a knowledge-based society
Albert Einstein said, “It is harder to crack prejudice than an atom.” A persistent prejudice in the EU is that against GMOs. An EU court judgment has restated that fears are unfounded, but will Europe take the opportunity to become a science-based society, ask Roberto Defez and Dennis Eriksson.
GMOs: EU court says states can’t ban them unless risks are proven
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Wednesday (13 September) that member states cannot adopt emergency measures banning genetically modified organisms (GMOs) without evidence of a serious risk to health or the environment. But the ruling was surpassed by recent EU legislation and changes nothing.
Amsterdam wants to revive talks on new plant breeding techniques
The Netherlands believes the new plant breeding techniques should not come under the GMO legislation as they are as safe as traditional breeding. It also insists that a discussion on the issue should be launched soon, even before the EU Court rules on the issue.
Salmonella’s Polish resurgence raises concerns
Poland is facing a Salmonella crisis this summer but the European Commission has withdrawn its support for the authorisation of the most efficient tool to fight against the bacteria in animal feed.
CAP reform: From sustainable feed to sustainable food
The German-Hungarian ‘Soya Declaration’ finally gets us talking about what matters in CAP reform, write Olivier De Schutter, Oscar Rivas and Karin Nansen.
EFSA boss: Trust in integrity of science has a cost
Studies on the safety of GMOs, glyphosate or other pesticides could enjoy higher levels of trust from the general public if there were stronger guarantees that the science behind them is really independent, says Bernhard Url, executive director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA: Glyphosate ban debate ‘legitimate’ but not about science
The debate on the toxicity of pesticides and the role of big multinationals in agriculture is a legitimate one to have, says Bernhard Url, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). But it goes beyond the realm of science, he told EURACTIV in an interview, calling on politicians to assume their responsibilities and make their own decisions.
UK promises scrapping ‘three-crops’ farm rule post-Brexit
The UK’s new agriculture minister has promised a major scrapping of EU farming regulation - including key green measures - after it leaves the bloc.
Agricultural innovation: A driver for sustainability?
As the global population continues to grow, lawmakers are looking for innovation-driven solutions to feed the world while addressing the environmental impact of agriculture.
José Bové: ‘The purpose of agriculture is to feed our citizens’
The European executive will reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by the end of 2017. José Bové and Éric Andrieu argue for an agricultural system that puts the environment, human health and small businesses first. EURACTIV’s partner Ouest France reports.
‘TTIP may come back from the dead,’ warns expert
Opposition to the EU's transatlantic trade deals is alive and well. According to activists, TTIP is far from dead and CETA can still be stopped. EURACTIV France reports.
New GM crops once again fail the safety test
As the world focuses elsewhere, two untested varieties of genetically modified maize are slowly manoeuvring their way through the legislative hoops of the European institutions towards Europe’s fields, writes Mute Schimpf.
GMO experts: ‘It’s an emotional debate, but not an irrational one’
The High Council of Biotechnology (HCB) held a conference on the implementation of the EU's GMO rules. HCB President Christine Noiville and Frans Brom, a member of the Dutch government’s scientific council, answered EURACTIV France’s questions on the subject.
Nobel Laureate: EU politicians ignore ‘politically unwelcome’ GMO science
European politicians support a great deal of scientific research but they often do not pay attention to the results if they are “politically unwelcome”, Nobelist Richard Roberts told EURACTIV.com.
EU plant breeding ‘saved’ millions of hectares of extra farmland: report
The Pan-European Farmers’ Association (Copa-Cogeca) said on Thursday (28 July) that innovation in plant breeding should be further encouraged in order to help the EU combat hunger and malnutrition worldwide.
EU kickstarts talks on new GMO approvals
The European Commission launched talks with member states today (9 July) to authorise two new GMOs, maize Bt11 and maize 1507, for cultivation in the EU.
CETA and TTIP threaten the EU’s precautionary principle
The precautionary principle may be scrapped in the EU's free trade agreements with Canada and the United States. According to the NGO Foodwatch, this could call into question the bloc's bans on hormone-treated beef and GMOs. EURACTIV France reports.
EU muddling on glyphosate fuelled Brexit populism
Calls for the European Union to dramatically change its decision making and get closer to citizen’s daily concerns have piled up in the wake of Britain’s shock decision to leave the EU.
TTIP talks bogged down in food standards debate
Seemingly insurmountable differences in food standards are threatening to sink trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Tony Simons: Agroforestry is a ‘win-win’ for developing nations
Agroforestry is a "back to the future" concept, advocating a return to the origins of farming —trees and fields— rather than the modern concept of huge monocultures, says Tony Simons.
Climate-smart agriculture: More than just greenwashing?
Ahead of the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture's second forum, numerous associations have criticised the group, citing the prevalence of greenwashing and lack of actual positive impact on climate change. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Trade body: Don’t lump ‘new plant breeding techniques’ in with GMOs
If new plant breeding techniques fall under GMO legislation, SMEs in Europe will be severely hit, Dr Teresa Babuscio said in an interview with EURACTIV.com
France, US exchange warnings over agriculture in trade pact
French President François Hollande threatened on Sunday (1 May) to reject the ambitious TTIP trade pact if it endangers the future of French agriculture, triggering similar warnings from the US regarding exports of farm produce to Europe
EU and US say they don’t aim at ‘TTIP-light’
US and European Union trade officials said yesterday (28 April) they would not settle for a limited trans-Atlantic free trade deal that ignores deep divisions on agricultural products, services, public procurement and dispute resolution.