EU changes rules on GM crop cultivation

[Judi Lynn]

13 January 2015 Last updated at 07:20 ET
EU changes rules on GM crop cultivation

The EU has given governments more power to decide whether to plant genetically modified (GM) crops, which are highly restricted in Europe.

The European Parliament has passed a new law giving states more flexibility by a big majority.

A type of maize - MON 810 - is the only GM crop grown commercially in the EU.

Although Euro MPs and ministers have agreed to give states more flexibility, EU scientists will still play a key role in authorisations.

GM crops are used widely in the US and Asia, but many Europeans are wary of their impact on health and wildlife.

It is one of the toughest issues at the EU-US talks on a free trade deal, as farming patterns in Europe - including GM use - differ greatly from North America.

The new law only applies to crops and does not cover GM used in animal feed, which can still enter the human food chain indirectly.

More:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30794256

[djean111]

1. I am sure Monsanto is fantastically interested in the upcoming "trade" deals -

why waste time and money on individual states and countries when, with the stroke of a pen, it will be made a sue-worthy offense to refuse or label GMOs?

[Nihil]

2. Wonderful ... divide and conquer.

This will make the US trade delegation's job so much easier as they can bring much more
pressure to bear on individual countries than they ever could against the EU as a whole.

Thanks a fucking bunch.