Biotech Updates

French Supreme Court Confirms GM Maize Ban

April 4, 2008

The French Supreme Court has rejected a motion raised by the National Maize Growers Association (AGPM) and biotech companies Monsanto and Pioneer to lift the ban on the Bt maize MON810, the only genetically modified crop approved for cultivation in the European Union. The Council of State dismissed AGPM’s motion and therefore confirmed France’s decree to suspend approval for cultivation until relevant European authorities review the safety of the genetically modified maize. Doubts on the safety of MON810 have been raised by a French "high authority” on biotechnological products last month.

The decision of the Council of State is not final. But with the ban still in force until the end of the month, any decisions will be too late for the planting season. AGPM has already estimated yield loss of up to 10 million Euros brought about by pests and higher cost of plant protection measures.

 Read more at http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/351.docu.html