A key vote has seen European nations oppose the European Commission’s proposal to authorise the first new GM crops for cultivation since 1998, but failed to achieve the necessary majority for the proposal to be formally shelved, according to Sustain member GM Freeze.
EU member states were voting on a proposal to authorise two new strains of GM maize, and the reauthorisation of the one GM crop currently grown in the EU (also maize). Thirteen member states voted to reject the new crops, while eight voted in favour. Twelve voted to remove the one existing GM crop from EU fields and ten to keep it. However, despite the convincing rejection of new crops, neither decision met the qualified majority voting bar and it is now up to the European Commission to decide what to do next.
GM Freeze argues that the impacts of genetic crop modification on biodiversity and on beneficial insects such as pollinators are poorly understood, and that although national bans are supposed to give countries control over their farms, no measures have been put in place to protect those who use the 'opt-out' mechanism from cross-border contamination.
GM Freeze Director Liz O’Neill said, 'The UK’s vote in favour of all three GM maize crops, despite each being banned in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, should ring alarm bells for anyone who wants to protect biodiversity and consumer choice in post-Brexit Britain.
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Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
