March 20, 2012
France temporarily prohibits GM corn cultivation
With the aim to protect the environment, the French government issued on Sunday (Mar 18) a decree which temporarily halts cultivation of genetically modified corn MON 810, produced by US biotech group Monsanto.
The decision was taken in view of the approaching sowing season.
The French government had asked the European Commission in February 2012 to suspend authorisation for cultivation of GM corn, presenting new studies.
The Commission requested the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the issue.
A moratorium, which had been imposed in France on GM crops in February 2008, was deemed not valid in November 2011 by the European Court of Justice and the French State Council.
The French government, however, has reaffirmed its opposition to GM corn and pledged to file a new ban request.
In January 2012, Monsanto said it will not sell GM corn in France in 2012, due to the unfavourable political environment.