EU's attitude towards GM crops remains negative

Developments

July 25, 2013 08:48
source: china Science Journal

in response to the EU's existing review system for the cultivation of genetically modified crops, Monsanto recently issued a statement: Abandon continuing to promote genetically modified crops in Europe. EU researchers deeply regret this.

While opponents of GM crops hailed the victory, supporters of GM crops warned that the increasing adoption of GM technology around the world and Europe's long-standing negative attitude towards GM crops could make Europe a region where technological development in the field is stagnant.

Jonathan Jones of Sainsbury's Laboratories in Norwich, UK, said: "This is bad news for Europe as a whole, for European farmers and for global food security. Europe must be active in this area." Jones has used both transgenic technology and traditional methods to study disease resistance in plants.

Despite the clear regulatory path, the EU's approval of GM crops has stalled after a slowdown. First, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the Italian city of Parma must confirm that the crop is safe. After that, within three months, the European Commission must submit a draft resolution to be voted on by representatives of EU member states. After this complicated process, it is possible for the crop to be approved.

Since 2005, EFSA has recognized the safety of eight crops. However, due to political considerations for the cultivation of genetically modified crops and bans in some EU countries, the EU has been hesitant to plant genetically modified crops.

Maurice Moloney of the Lausanne Institute (an agricultural research center in Hapton, UK) said: "Considering the current political environment, Monsanto's move is a very reasonable business decision." Although he hopes that the EU will eventually "change its mind", for now, even some small-scale field tests will attract fierce protests.

Denis Murphy, a biotechnology expert at the University of South Wales, also said that more and more European researchers are looking to countries with more tolerant policies, such as looking for opportunities in the Far East. "I have also done a lot of research overseas and have almost given up on research in Europe." (Duan Xinwei)

china Science News (2013-07-25 3rd Edition International)

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