Greenpeace reaction to today's member state vote on authorisation of controversial GM maizes

Press release - February 25, 2009

Brussels, Belgium — EU member state experts voting today did not endorse a European Commission proposal to authorise two genetically modified (GM) maize varieties for cultivation. The two maizes are Bt11 and 1507, two controversial pesticide-producing GM crops, developed by Syngenta and Pioneer/Dow respectively.

Although a majority of member states voted against the authorisation of these crops, they were unable to reach the necessary 'qualified majority' to outright reject the Commission proposal. Agriculture ministers are now expected to vote on these crops at the end of March. Even if the ministers do not back the authorisations, EU rules would allow the Commission to unilaterally force the GM maizes on the European market.

If authorised, Bt11 and 1507 would be the first GM crops licensed for cultivation in the EU since 1998.

"In December, environment ministers recommended a reform of the EU authorisation process for GM crops. The Commission has utterly ignored these recommendations. EU member states have every right to maintain total control over what is grown on their own territory until the recommendations for a review of the GMO process are taken seriously by the Commission. It is time for EU member states to stop taking the Commission's GMO bullying tactics on the chin. The concerns of EU citizens on GMOs can no longer be ignored. The Commission continues to exploit a flawed EU system to impose its pro-GM agenda by steamrolling crops that produce their own toxic pesticides, with no concern for long-term health and environmental risks," said Marco Contiero, Greenpeace EU GMO policy director. (1)

Other contacts:

Marco Contiero -- Greenpeace EU GMO policy director: +32 (0)2 274 1906, +32 (0)477 777 034 (mobile),
Mark Breddy -- Greenpeace EU communications manager: +32 (0)2 274 1903, +32 (0)496 156 229 (mobile),