January 31, 2006

 

Greece extends ban on Monsanto corn despite EU ruling

 

 

Greece Monday extended its ban on a variety of GM corn seed developed by the US biotech giant Monsanto, despite a EU order earlier this month for Athens to lift the ban.

 

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kondos signed a decision prohibiting the sale of 31 strains of the MON810 seed type for the next 18 months, an Agriculture Ministry announcement said.

 

This included 17 types listed in the initial ban, made in April 2005.

 

"This decision has much stronger legal foundations than the earlier one, as it contains new scientific data and findings," the announcement said.

 

"It also draws attention to the need for authorities in each EU member state to be given enough time to weigh the dangers inherent in growing GM crops."

 

The European Commission ruled Jan 10 Greece's initial prohibition of MON810 seed types was not warranted on health or safety grounds, following the biotech seed's approval for sale across the EU in September 2004.

 

But the Agriculture Ministry said cultivation of the GM seeds "poses an immediate threat to the environment," by disturbing biodiversity and spreading GM pollen to traditional corn crops.

 

Monday's decision drew praise from Greek environmentalists.

 

"We applaud the fact that Greece remains a pioneer in the long struggle against GM crops," said a joint statement by the local Greenpeace branch and other groups. "The decision is in tune with the sensitivities of most Greek citizens."

 

The EU ended a six-year moratorium on accepting applications for new biotech products in May 2004, under strict approval procedures and labelling regulations. However, several EU nations remain reluctant to authorise GM crops because of public health and environmental concerns.