Barroso to make GMOs a priority of the new EC

Margarita Dimitrova

The European Commission President, José Manuel Durão Barroso, intends to resume the process of permitting the growing of two kinds of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Union as soon as his new team assumes office next week, France Press announced yesterday, citing EU sources which requested anonymity. According to the information, one of the priorities will be allowing the sale of MON 810 corn of the US Monstanto and the Amflora potatoes of Germany’s BASF. Barroso intends to get rid of the problem that caused him difficulties during the previous EC mandate, sources said. “The first session of the new EC has been scheduled for February 17 but the agenda is still under preparation,” specified EC spokeswoman Pia Arenkilde.

Monsanto is waiting the permission for cultivation of hybrid corn concerned to be renewed. It is the only GMO allowed into the EU. However, BASF does require to introduce genetically modified (GM) potatoes in EU because they could bring a profit to the company of between €30-40 mln a year, added AFP. In six EU member states, including France and Germany, MON 810-maize is prohibited. Eleven others are also pushing to have the right to ban any GMOs. Only several days ago the Bulgarian Government imposed five-year moratorium on the admission of GM cultures. This decision was adopted, after environmental groups launched protests against amendments to the Law on GMOs, which eliminated the prohibitive system.