Press release - April 14, 2009
Brussels, Belgium — Germany is expected to become the sixth EU country to ban the cultivation of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) maize MON810 following today’s announcement by the German Federal Agriculture Minister.
MON810 is the only GM crop currently commercially cultivated in the EU - mostly for animal feed - and is now due for re-authorisation under EU rules after the expiry of its ten-year license. Besides Germany, five countries have already banned its planting: France, Greece, Austria, Hungary and, most recently, Luxembourg.
"Any government that seriously examines the environmental risks associated with growing MON810 maize can only reach one conclusion: to ban its cultivation. Instead of trying to force countries to lift national bans on this crop, the European Commission should face the reality of scientific facts. We call on Commissioner Dimas to stop this maize's EU-wide re-authorisation," said Márta Vetier, EU GMO policy officer.
Other contacts:
Márta Vetier – EU GMO policy officer, +32 (0)2 274 1920, +32 (0)496 161 582 (mobile), 
Notes:
Peer-reviewed scientific studies have demonstrated that the pesticide-producing MON810 maize, developed by US agro-chemical company Monsanto, has negative effects on the environment and on biodiversity. See: http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/policy-papers-briefings/environmental-and-health-impac