Germany implements "separation distance" for biotech corn fields

Several German states have implemented at least 800-metre separation requirements biotech corn fields and recognised "environmentally-sensitive areas", reports the US Department of Agriculture.

Farmers interested in planting MON810 varieties are currently facing new opposition from regional environmental protection agencies, hence, the execution of the separation requirement. Environmentalists particularly in States of Brandenburg and Sachsen claim that the cultivation of biotech corn varieties may damage endangered species in protected environmentally- sensitive areas. 

Farmers who want to plant biotech corn within this new protection area are requested to provide an environment impact report assuring that no endangered species will be at risk. These state-level requirements are connected to the German Nature Protection Law and not the Genetech Law, according to the USDA.

For more of the USDA report, please click here