March 19, 2010

 

 

The Italian committee tasked with approving seed applications has refused to authorise a new genetically modified product, drawing praise from the agriculture minister and farmers representatives.

 

The Seed Committee turned down an application to add a genetically altered corn seed to its register, filed by the pro-biotech farming association, Futuragra.

 

Futuragra, which is involved in a separate legal battle in support of GM crop cultivation in Italy, had requested authorisation for MON 810, developed by the US multinational Monsanto.

 

"The decision taken by the committee is particularly significant as it was reached unanimously," said Agriculture Minister Luca Zaia.

 

The committee includes representatives from the agriculture, environment and health ministries, as well as from six regional governments in Italy's main farming areas.

 

"Both the regional representatives and the ministry delegates were in favour of maintaining the principle of caution that has characterised Italian agriculture policy in this sensitive area so far," said the minister. Zaia expressed his satisfaction that the committee was responding to and reflecting the views of the vast majority of the Italian public and farmers.

 

Two of Italy's three top farming associations also spoke out in support of the decision.

 

Coldiretti president Sergio Marini said he was "deeply satisfied", noting that Italy joined 21 EU member states that had decided not to grow GM crops. "This decision is about more than just economic and ethical issues - it is critical to questions of environmental and food safety," he said.

 

The head of the Italian Confederation of Farmers, Giuseppe Politi said, "This decision reflects the position of the overwhelming majority of Italian consumers, who are opposed to genetic manipulation in farming".

 

The issue of GM crops is particularly explosive in Italy. As the second-largest producer of organic crops in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, there is widespread fear of the potential damage resulting from accidental GM contamination.

 

Coldiretti has issued several reports suggesting that widespread public hostility to GM crops would not only damage the domestic market for farm produce but would also result in a 60% drop in exports.