Currently, only two types of GM crops are grown in the EU: MON810 is a type of maize and is the only GM food cultivated commercially. Amflora, a GM potato, is also grown but is only used for industrial starch for products such as paper.
This "new policy is aimed at overcoming a stalemate that has severely curtailed the market for biotech seeds in Europe for years" according to the New York Times. Some countries, like the Netherlands, hold favorable views on growing and trading GM products and are optimistic about the ability to open markets in this area. Other countries, such as Austria, are opposed to GM products and could maintain a ban.
Some are skeptical of the success of this new policy, however. Nathalie Moll, the secretary general of EuropaBio, an industry group, stated that she is unsure that the policy will conform with rules set by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The US and EU continue to dispute GM products after the WTO ruled against the EU's de facto ban in 2006.
Belgium, which has recently taken over the EU presidency, "is concerned that a ban by a single country could put the entire bloc in danger of facing retaliatory trade sanctions." Some also worry that the new policy could further politicize an already controversial issue in the EU.
To read the BBC News story, click here.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Posted: 07/22/2010
