About: genetically modified organisms Archives

The European Commission will tomorrow (13 July) propose an overhaul of the EU's policy for approving genetically modified (GM) crops, which will allow countries more freedom to ban cultivation on their territory while retaining an EU-wide authorisation system.

Plans to radically overhaul EU rules on growing genetically modified (GM) crops are welcomed by some as boosting productivity, but others say the move will unleash uncertainty, discord and a deluge of litigation.

Paris has announced the creation of a "group of friends of the presidency" to consider the EU's GMO authorisation process, which it wants to take better account of "local specificities".

European agriculture ministers were unable to reach any kind of agreement regarding five requests for approval of new strains of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highlighting strong divisions with regard to the benefits and dangers of these controversial products.

Unless the EU closes the gap between its own GMO-approval system and those of feed-exporting countries such as US, Argentina and Brazil, "hungry cows", "struggling farmers" and trade disputes at the WTO will become commonplace, warned Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas has infuriated the biotech industry by admitting to the uncertainties surrounding the long-term safety of genetically modified crops at a conference in Vienna.

After EU environment ministers failed to agree, the Commission is
now being called on to make the final decision on
authorising imports of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape.

A new UK study has found that more public understanding on GM technology does not help overcome existing fears.

UNDP criticised over report suggesting GMOs could be vital to developing countries trying to improve living standards