German authority clears MON810

(December 06, 2007) Genetically modified Bt maize MON810 may be sold again in Germany for commercial cultivation. The licensee Monsanto has received the all-clear from the competent authority, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) on Thursday. 

In April 2007, the BVL suspended authorisation of the market placement of MON810 and asked Monsanto for a plan to monitor the environmental effects of the cultivation of insect-tolerant Bt maize. After months of negotiations, the BVL now has accepted an implementation plan submitted by Monsanto. Measures have been agreed upon that include the observation of the effects that the cultivation of MON810 has on biodiversity. This monitoring will be conducted by an existing network of public institutions, scientists and associations and will address soil life as well as species such as butterflies, bees, common birds and wild game. Last year, 2,680 hectares of MON810 were grown in Germany and Monsanto expects this area to expand significantly in the coming season.

Further information:

• BVL press release, 06/12/2007
• Monsanto monitoring plan
• BVL asks for MON810 monitoring