02 March 2009 - EU environment ministers today overwhelmingly rejected a European Commission proposal to force Austria and Hungary to lift their bans on the controversial cultivation of varieties of genetically modified (GM) maize.

Twenty-two member states voted to allow Hungary to maintain a ban on Monsanto’s GM maize MON810, and Austria to keep its ban on MON810 and Bayer’s T25. Commenting on the decision, the South East’s Green MEP Caroline Lucas said:

"Today’s decision by EU environment ministers is great news for the environment, farmers and consumers – and sets a good precedent for future campaigns against genetically modified crops. For the many regions in the EU that have expressed doubts over GM technology, today’s vote shows that it is still possible to be GM-free.

"I hope the UK government takes notice of this outright rejection of GM cultivation and rethinks its own commitment to GM – and its legislative weakness in the face of the powerful agro-tech sector’s demands."

She continued: "This is the fourth time EU governments have rejected a Commission proposal to force member states to act against the will of their citizens and to allow the cultivation of GM crops. Between 62% and 77% of the population in the member states concerned oppose GM crops (1). It is deeply disturbing that the Commission continues to try and bulldoze through its pro-GM agenda in spite of public opposition.

"Today’s vote is a clear signal that a growing number of member states are losing confidence in the judgment of the European Commission on GMO issues. This is a slap in the face for Commission President Barroso, who has, often with the support of the UK government, become a stooge of the agro-tech industry and overruled the position of EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas.

Dr Lucas MEP concluded: "With more votes to come in Council - on the bans on GM crops in France and Greece - we hope environment ministers will again step up to the plate. However, what we really need is a clearly defined European policy on GMOs. This must start with an overhaul of the risk assessment procedure for GM crops, as requested unanimously by all 27 member states in December 2008."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1) According to Eurobarometer March 2008: Hungary 70% against GMOs, Austria 62%, France 70% and Greece 77%