NGOs challenge EU guidelines on GMOs

Environmental campaigners yesterday condemned the European Commission's recommendation on co-existence between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops, claiming it 'could lead to the death of organic food and farming.'

Moving away from a 'one-size fits all' approach, the Commission published guidelines this week that outline 'strategies and best practices to ensure the co-existence of genetically modified (GM) crops' at a national, regional or local level. In short, allowing countries to take appropriate measures to avoid the unintended presence of GMOs in other products.

Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries said on Wednesday: "We want to ensure that farmers are able to cultivate the types of agricultural crops they choose, be it GM crops, conventional or organic crops. This is why we need measures to ensure their co-existence."​

According to the Commission, the guidelines on co-existence aim to complement the new tough rules on labelling and traceablity of GMOs cleared by the EU this month.

But the environmental non-government organisations (NGOs) are urging Member States to reject the Commission recommendations, and 'bring in tough legislation to prevent genetic contamination and real consumer choice' in its place.

But the NGOs welcomed the Commission's recommendation that 'measures of a regional dimension could be considered' to prevent GM contamination, which in fact opens the door to regional bans on GM crops.

"Member states should make clear in their national legislation that GM producers are the ones responsible for avoiding GMO's in food, feed and especially seeds,"​ said Eric Gall from Greenpeace.

A number of local authorities in the UK - earlier this week Somerset County Council - have already endorsed GM-free policies. These include taking action to stop tenant farmers growing GM crops, and banning GM food from local food services such as school meals and residential homes.