July 29, 2011

Hungary to fine GMO crop planters and distributors

Hungary's government will impose fines of up to HUF2 billion (US$10.66 million) for the planting and distribution of genetically modified (GMO) seeds.

Government spokesman Zoltán Kovács said the government will refund any damages caused to farmers by recently discovered GMO seed planting.

By July 21, officials had found more than 5,000 hectares of land sown with GMO seeds, mostly maize, and ordered the destruction of the crops, state secretary of the Rural Development Ministry Endre Kardeván said.

Hungary insists on maintaining its GMO-free status and will take strict measures to do so, Kardeván added.