News

Hungary: background on the GMO debate

While the Hungarian minister for economics is a frequent traveler to the US and sees great potential for biotech in his country the majority even in his own government seems to have different viewpoints.

The Budapest Sun: Science is split on GMOs

posted Saturday, July 30, 2005

Spanish government issues co-existence decree

The Spanish government has proposed detailed rules for co-existence of GM and non-GM crops including minimum buffer zones of 50 m and authority for some additional regional measures. The decree also provides for a national survey and report the issue. It was strongly criticised by environment organisations, reports the US embassy, which obviously doesn't like these measures.

FAS: US embassy attache report

Government Press release and link to presentation (in Spanish)

posted Tuesday, July 19, 2005

EU-Commssion warns countries to adapt National GMO Laws

The European Commission warned three EU governments (France, Germany and Greece) to bring their national laws on genetically modified foods into line with EU law or face legal action at Europe's highest court.

Environmental infringements: Commission takes legal action against Germany and Spain

Greece: Commission takes action over breaches of environmental law

France: Commission takes further action in ten environmental infringement cases

posted Monday, July 18, 2005

US intervenes on GM law in Cyprus

A plan by Cyprus to put genetically modified food on separate supermarket shelves angered the United States. Washington warned the move could harm bilateral ties. A vote on the bill has now been shelved until autumn.

Reuters AlertNet - US says Cyprus ties could suffer over GMO plan

Cyprus Mail: Greens' GM bill shelved until the Autumn

posted Monday, July 11, 2005

European Parliament looks for food safety experts

The European Parliaments committee on environment and consumer protection invites informal expression of interest in a "Panel of Food Safety Experts" to advise on issues such as Genetically Modified Organisms, BSE/TSE and control of other biological hazards, Food additives, flavourings and other food improvement agents, Foods for particular nutritional uses and nutrition. The Committee is not looking for expertise in narrow areas of specialisation, but for good communicators who can provide clear and concise briefings for EP Members on the implications of new EU policy proposals. Deadline: 15th July.

EP announcement on Food Safety experts

posted Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Lower Austria adopts "GMO precaution law"

The regional parliament of Lower Austria has adopted a stringent GMO protection law, which requires regional approval and full publicity of any GM planting in the region and allows for plant specific restrictions to be imposed by the regional authority. The law had been notified to the EU Commission and not contested formally and will now enter into force. The parliament also decided to join the network of GMO free regions in Europe.

Niederösterreichisches Gentechnikvorsorgegesetz (text of the law in German)

posted Friday, July 01, 2005