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Please note that the GMO Compass Database currently is being expanded and updated. Please check back for new entries.
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Country Reports:
GMOs in the EU Member States |
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The European Union has passed regulations covering all aspects of genetically modified organisms from research to commercialisation – with the notable exception of coexistence. The EU Members States, however, exercise a certain degree of freedom when interpreting the EU’s regulatory framework. They may accept EU regulations upon certain conditions and stipulations, and each Member State assigns its own national authorities to deal with GMOs.
The EU first authorised the cultivation of GM crops almost ten years ago, but the extent of adoption can vary significantly from country to country. The same heterogeneity holds true for the public acceptance of GMOs: Although the majority of EU citizens have a negative stance on GMOs, some countries are sceptical but open, while others remain fundamentally opposed agricultural biotechnology.
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Austria
The Austrian public is strongly opposed to genetically modified crops. With small average field sizes, few farmers believe that coexistence between organic farming, conventional agriculture, and GM crops can occur. The Austrian government’s stance on the issue is in line with popular opinion and has banned several GMOs assessed as safe at the European level. There has been no commercial cultivation of GM plants in Austria to date.
 Field trials and commercial cultivation
Coexistence
Links: Legislation, authorities, research and more
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The Netherlands
In 2005, stakeholders in the Netherlands came to a consensus on coexistence rules, making the Netherlands the first country in the EU to have legal coexistence guidelines. Commercial GM crop production, however, has not yet taken place. Although the public acceptance in the Netherlands is slightly higher than in most other EU countries, the technology’s opponents are very active.
Field trials and commercial cultivation
Coexistence
Links: Legislation, authorities, research and more
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Spain
In Spain, GM maize has been commercially grown since 1998. Thus, it is the EU country with the longest practical experience in cultivating GMOs. In 2006, GM maize accounted for 60,000 hectares of farmland. There have also been many field trials, though most were conducted with varieties of wheat and barley. Despite all this, coexistence regulations have not been enacted. In July 2006, however, the Ministry of Agriculture presented a second draft of the Royal law on coexistence.
Field trials and commercial cultivation
Coexistence
Eight years of practical experience with GMOs in Spain
Links: Legislation, authorities, research and more
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The United Kingdom
The UK government is not fundamentally opposed to cultivating GM crops, but it has opted for a cautious approach. It has therefore restricted commercial production of biotech crops until coexistence rules are in place. The time frame for developing coexistence regulations extends into 2008. In the meantime, however, the UK was the site of the world’s largest ever field study on GMOs.
Field trials and commercial cultivation
Coexistence
Links: Legislation, authorities, research and more
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 | Stories |
 | GM Crops - Growing Around the World |
 | Coexistence: With and Without GMOs |
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