Importation of Monsanto's Frankenseeds Will Spur Major Resistance in EU

Posted 10/7/04

STOP THE CROP
Ban the growing of Monsanto's maize
www.gmofree-europe.org

The European Commission has put 17 varieties of a genetically modified (GM)
maize on what is called the common catalogue of seeds. This means that these
seeds can now be bought and planted by farmers across the whole of the
European Union. This is the first time GM seeds have been added to the
common catalogue and opens the door for GM crops to be grown on a large
scale across Europe. This briefing shows that countries can use EU law to
ban these seeds or to put in place conditions restricting the way they can
be grown. This is a one-off chance for countries and regions to remain GM
free.

What seeds?
The 17 different seed varieties are derived from the GM event called MON810.
This is a GM maize made by Monsanto that has been genetically modified to
produce an insect toxin (called Bt). MON810 was approved for commercial
growing in the EU in 1998 but has only been on the national seed lists of
France and Spain. The only place in Europe where the GM seed has been grown
commercially is Spain.

How can we stop them?
Articles 16 and 18 of the EU Directive EC/2002/53 (which deals with the
common catalogue) state the grounds whereby member states can apply to
prohibit the use of a variety or to lay down conditions for their
cultivation . In particular a member state can apply if:

a)the cultivation could be harmful to the cultivation of other varieties or
species; or
b)where the variety is not comparable with varieties grown in that country,
or where it is not suitable for cultivation because of its maturity class;
or
c)"where it has valid reasons other than those already mentioned for
considering that the variety presents a risk for human health or the
environment"

Maturity class
The varieties of MON810 are largely suited for a Southern climate and would
not generally be suitable for cultivation in northern regions or countries
because of the climate or because the target insect is not a problem pest in
the north. Nevertheless, this is no guarantee that farmers will not plant
them in any part of a country, if only to "try out" the new varieties. In
addition it is unlikely that MON810 would be comparable on agronomic terms
with maize varieties already accepted in these northern countries.

Risk to the environment
MON810 was approved under the old EU Directive for GM plants (called
EC/90/220). There was no obligation to carry out a thorough environmental
risk assessment and the Directive was eventually strengthened. The newly
amended Directive (now called EC/2001/18) enforces a risk assessment that
includes looking at the long-term and indirect effects of growing GM crops
maize. In the absence of such assessments, the effects on the environment of
growing MON810 are largely unknown.

Since approving the MON810 in 1998 there have been a host of studies that
have shown alarming results, for example:
·A study by Swiss researchers found fewer flying insects in Bt maize fields.
Flying insects are important food sources for insect-eating birds and bats.
·A study published in 2003 found that earthworms feeding on Bt maize litter
showed a weight loss compared to a weight gain in earthworms feeding on non
GM maize. Earthworms are extremely important for nutrient cycling in soils.
·A study in Switzerland found that the Bt toxin could still be detected in
soil the following year after the Bt maize was harvested.

Allowing MON810 to be grown under the old directive is a potential threat to
the environment and makes a mockery of existing legislation. Given the new
information that has emerged since MON810 received approval in 1998, it is
questionable whether the marketing consent will be renewed in 2006 as
required by Directive 2001/18.

No co-existence measures
Apart from a new law in Denmark, there are currently no co-existence
measures in place to prevent the adventitious presence of GM in other
products ie to stop contamination. The growing of MON810 could therefore
lead to contamination of non-GM maize crops and the food chain.

Safety questions remain
MON810 is a relatively old GM crop, approved in Europe in 1998. Last year
when the UK Government re-examined the data on MON810 it concluded that,
"the UK considers that further consideration in the risk assessment of MON
810 is appropriate." They stated that basic information about the GM
component ­ ie what novel genes it actually contains ­ is not clear. MON810
should not be allowed to be planted in Europe's fields until its safety is
guaranteed.

No public registers or accountability
Because MON810 was approved under the old European directive there is no
legal obligation on Monsanto, or farmers wishing to grow the GM maize, to
tell anyone ­ even Governments - if they have planted GM maize. Conventional
and organic farmers could therefore find their crops contaminated, leading
to financial loss if the contamination is detected. Monsanto's maize should
not be allowed to be grown whilst Governments, farmers and the public are
kept in the dark. Neighbouring farmers must be told in advance if GM maize
is to be planted nearby.

In view of the scientific doubts about the safety of MON810 and the fact
that that the EU marketing consent will have to be renewed in 2006,
Governments should take immediate steps to ensure that no varieties of this
maize are grown in their areas. Strict conditions and a proper environmental
risk assessment should be enforced to ensure that contamination is
prevented, the environment is protected and people¹s right to choose GM free
food is guaranteed.

Please feel free to distribute this briefing. For more information on GM
Free Europe see www.gmofree-europe.org. We would be grateful if you could
send us any translations you do of this briefing so that we can publish them
on our website. This will help other people from your country take action.

For more information please contact Friends of the Earth Europe, Rue Blanche
15, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Telephone +32 2 542 01 80, Fax +32 2 537 55 96,
info@foeeurope.org, www.foeeurope.org.

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This GMO news service is underwritten by a generous grant from the Newman's
Own Foundation and is a production of the Ecological Farming Association
www.eco-farm.org <http://www.eco-farm.org/>
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