GM application rejected
Wednesday 04 February 2004
The Belgian government has this week rejected an EU-wide application from biotech company Bayer CropScience to grow GM oilseed rape, in another blow to commercialising GMOs in Europe.The decision was based in-part on the recent review of the UK’s Farm Scale Evaluations by ACRE, which stated that the variety would have negative effects on biodiversity. The Belgian government also concluded that guidelines for farmers to prevent contamination of conventional and organic crops were impractical and unworkable.
Despite the rejection of a licence to grow GM oilseed rape, Belgian ministers have approved the import and processing of the crop.
Friends of the Earth's GM Campaigner Clare Oxborrow commented; "Belgian ministers have set an important precedent. This decision to reject commercial growing of this GM oilseed rape is a victory for farmers, consumers and the environment and a kick in the teeth to the biotech industry. But it is inconsistent to ban the growing of GM oilseed rape yet allow it for import into Europe. Growing this GM oilseed rape will harm the environment and contaminate non-GM agriculture wherever it is grown around the world.”
Applications for twenty-two other GMO varieties are currently awaiting decisions across the EU.