EU Ministers for the Environment

Cultivation ban on genetically modified maize in Austria and Hungary remains

(4 March 2009) The current cultivation bans in Austria and Hungary on the genetically modified maize lines MON810 and T25 will remain valid in the short term. Due to resistance from the EU ministers for the environment, the EU Commission was unable to effect its recommendation that the bans be lifted.

Stating that she has directed her ministry to provide practical recommendations for the establishment of GM-free zones or entire provinces in Germany, Aigner also postulated a ban on MON810. According to Aigner, genetically modified plants are unwanted by both consumers and farmers. This could form the basis for a revision of current approvals.

The EU Commission had presented a draft decision to end the cultivation bans in Austria and Hungary. This draft was based on the results of a renewed safety assessment for the Bt maize MON810 (Monsanto) and the herbicide-tolerant T25 maize (BayerCropScience). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had addressed thereby the arguments with which both countries had justified their bans. The EFSA scientific panel had concluded that no new scientific findings were available with regard to dangerous or undesired effects resulting from the cultivation of either GM maize line. However, national bans on products that are generally approved in the EU are allowed only if such bans are necessary from a scientific point of view to protect humans and the environment.

A qualified majority of the Member States opposed the corresponding recommendation of the EU Commission. Germany also voted for the continuance of the ban. Furthermore, the decision of the EU ministers for the environment braces countries such as France that also have enacted national cultivation bans for MON810 maize.

MON810 has been approved for cultivation in the EU since 1998. The renewal of its authorisation currently is in process. Maize T25 is also approved in the EU but is obsolete. Cultivation in the EU is not expected.

Consequently, a long-smouldering trade conflict may be rekindled between the EU and a group of countries headed by the USA. Arbitrators of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had categorised national bans on Bt maize in the EU as a breach of trade agreements. The EU Commission is contractually obliged to enforce the decision of the WTO. In the case of non-compliance, the EU must reckon with high punitive tariffs.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• GMO Database: maize MON810
• GMO Database: maize T25

Further information:

• EFSA: Request from the European Commission related to the safeguard clause invoked by Austria on maize MON810 and T25 according to Article 23 of Directive 2001/18/EC
• Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the pprivisional prohibition of the use and sale in Austria of genetically modified maize MON810