Landbouwministers vergaderen over verkoop van genetisch gemodificeer maïs-zaad voor commerciële teelt (en)

Despite strong consumer scepticism the European Commission is likely today (8 September) to authorise the introduction of the first genetically modified (GMO) seeds for commercial use across the EU.

The Commission is also expected to introduce a new labelling system which would inform consumers of GM content.

According to the new proposal, maize and rapeseed would be allowed to contain up to 0.3 percent of genetically modified organisms without being labelled.

Purely marketing issue

At the meeting today (8 September) Commissioners will also discuss whether to add 17 varieties of a GM maize made by Monsanto, the US biotechnology company, into the EU's overall seed directory that includes all national seed catalogues.

"Inscription in the common catalogue is...purely a marketing issue", reads a note to be delivered by EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne at Wednesday's meeting, obtained by Reuters.

"Failure to undertake the inscription now would mean the 2005 growing season could be lost and leave the Commission vulnerable to a Court challenge for failure to act", said Mr Byrne.

Environmental network Friends of the Earth believe that allowing the widespread growing of GM crops, before countries have had the chance to put measures in place to protect consumers and the environment, is a reckless move.