Press release - March 9, 2012
EU environment ministers have today rejected a compromise, coined by the Danish presidency, on a new law setting out how countries could ban genetically modified (GM) crops from being grown in their territories.
Some of the names of citizens across Europe who have spelled out their opposition to GM crops. Environment ministers today rejected a flawed compromise proposal tabled by the Danish EU Presidency.
Greenpeace welcomed the decision, saying the proposed compromise was flawed since it only offered legally weak grounds to ban GM cultivation and because it gave biotech lobbyists a formal role in negotiations on national bans.This would have side-lined valid scientific concerns around GM crops, Greenpeace said.
Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero said: “Fortunately, EU ministers today rejected a flawed deal on a new GM law. Countries must have a solid right to ban GM cultivation in their own territory because of environmental concerns. The European Parliament hit the nail on the head in their vote on this last year. Ministers will have another chance to get it right.”
The Danish presidency will now try to strike a new agreement on this law at the next Environment Council in June.
Contacts:
Marco Contiero - Greenpeace EU agriculture policy adviser: +32 (0) 477 777 034, 
Jack Hunter - Greenpeace media officer: +32 (0)476 988 584, 
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.