October 16, 2007

Future of GM crops hanging in France

A large scale, four month forum on environmental issues organised by the French government is aimed at defining national environmental policies on future regulations of genetically-modified (GM) crops.

It is very likely that the so-called "Grenelle de l'environnement", could change French agricultural policy.

A group working on GM crops has suggested new legislation towards transparency as well as the freedom of choice for farmers and for consumers.

Such laws also would regulate coexistence more strictly and enact the "causer" principle, under which users of GM crops retain ultimate responsibility for the control of their crops.

The public agreement of environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo against the ban on usage of GM seeds had caused an outrage among farmers, seed producers and grain processors organisations. Yet, after their protests, this issue does not appear in the final working group proposals.

The working group suggest increased research on biotechnology and its effects, as well as the establishment of an independent national advisory body.

New agricultural policies may influence even beyond French borders. French representatives to the Council of Ministers abstained from voting in EU import approval of three GM corn lines in September. The French veto could hinder current negotiations on the extension of approval for MON810 corn from Monsanto.

MON810 is the only GM corn approved to date for cultivation in the EU.

During October, public consultations will take place in 15 cities throughout France and on the internet.

The French government is expected to announce by end - October the government's conclusions on national positions and administrative plans regarding biotechnology.