All Wales Euro MP Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales) has welcomed the European Parliament's vote in favour of strict new controls on the export of GMOs. The new regulation effectively bans the export of GMOs from EU countries unless the country of import has given its prior unequivocal written consent. It also forces exporters to respect the laws of countries of import on GM food and feed, helping prevent the dumping of GM food or seed as aid for developing countries.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP said:

"This new regulation is tremendously significant as it will prevent the dumping of GM food aid for poorer and developing countries. The important issue here is one of informed choice - allowing developing countries to choose whether or not to accept GM food aid.

“The Bush administration has quite disgracefully condemned famine struck African nations for refusing to accept GM food aid. Indeed, many Southern African countries have been put under tremendous pressure by governments and organisations from USAID to the WHO to accept GM food aid.

“The majority of African countries who need this kind of aid have already rejected GM - not out of ignorance as the Bush administration would suggest but out of a sound understanding of the science and the various risks involved. To effectively present famine ridden countries with the ultimatum 'accept GM food aid or watch your people die' is disgraceful. This new regulation empowers poorer countries, giving them a choice and relieving the outrageous pressure put upon them, principally by the US."

DIWEDD/END.