October 27, 2004

EU Approves Imports of Monsanto Biotech Corn

The European Union has authorised imports of Monsanto Co.'s genetically modified corn. This is its second approval since ending its five-year ban on genetically modified foods.

The European Commission used a default procedure to approve the Roundup Ready maize after EU governments failed to reach a decision after three months.

"Today's decision is great news for the more than 200 seed companies and tens of thousands of US farmers who plant biotech-enhanced corn hybrids," said Kerry Preete, vice president of US crop production for Monsanto. "We remain hopeful that this decision is a signal that the European Communities and its member states are serious about ending the moratorium on biotech approvals."

The genetically modified corn, known as NK603, will be used to make things like starch, oil, maize gluten feed, maize meal and for animal feed.

St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. develops insect- and herbicide-resistant crops and other agricultural products.