GMO Green Light

As expected, the European Parliament has agreed to allow Member States to decide themselves whether genetically modified crops (which have gained EU-wide regulatory approval) can be cultivated in their country or region.  The decision which was initially agreed by MEPs and the European Council back in December (See ‘Policy Issues for 2015’) means Member States can restrict or prohibit the cultivation for a variety of reasons including ethical concerns, or favouring certain habitats, landscapes or organic farms.  Co-existence measures will be required to avoid cross border contamination where cultivation is prohibited. The amended Directive is expected to be adopted in the spring.

One of the aims of the new legislation is to speed up the approvals process.  With the option of restricting cultivation on a national basis, it is believed some Member States will be less inclined to block the EU-level approval of GMs.  This would allow those countries in favour of the technology to press ahead.  However, it now seems that the Commission is expected to conduct a review of the whole approvals process by May this year.  Thelegislative review will look at ‘how the rules could be changed to better ensure the majority view of Member States is taken into account’.  The review is understood to apply to the authorisation process for both cultivation and import of GM crops.  There are currently 12 GM ‘events’ waiting a decision and it is thought these will now have to wait until the review.  There are concerns the delay may mean feed supply shortages in Europe.