Press release - January 22, 2013
Brussels – Media reports have quoted a Commission spokesperson declaring that EU approvals of new GM crops are unlikely soon [1], but denying that the authorisation process was frozen [2].
Commenting on the reports, Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero said: “EU testing is not currently able to assess the safety of GM crops for the environment and health. For this reason, European countries unanimously called on the Commission to fix the authorisation system in 2008. The logical next step would be to freeze approvals of GM crops and to reform the way risk assessments are carried out. Unfortunately, so far the Commission's attempts at reform have been far too timid and its refusal to declare an outright freeze on new approvals is determined by its fear of the biotech industry.”
Note to editors:
[1] Le Nouvel Observateur/AFP (in French), 22 January 2013: http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/ogm-le-scandale/20130122.OBS6226/ogm-bruxelles-gele-le-processus-d-autorisation-de-culture.html
[2] Reuters, 22 January 2013: http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKL6N0ARCX620130122?irpc=932
Contacts:
Marco Contiero – Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director: +32 (0)477 777034, 
Greenpeace EU press desk: +32 (0)2 274 1911, 
For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.