The European Commission today published proposals to break the decade-long deadlock on GMOs in Europe. Several countries have banned GM crops altogether. The Commission has tried to overturn the bans but could not get a majority of member states to back them. To get around the problem, they are now proposing a deal.

Speaking at the Environment Committee where Commissioner Dalli made the announcement, Plaid MEP Jill Evans, a long standing anti-GM campaigner said :

"The European Commission is proposing to give member state governments the right to decide whether or not to allow GM crops to be grown. In exchange the government ministers would stop blocking permission for more GM varieties to be grown in Europe.

"This would mean that pro-GM states such has Britain, Spain and the Netherlands, would be free to grow more GMOs, while others could ban them."

Jill Evans continued:

“To propose more power for member state governments to decide whether to grow GMOs in exchange for allowing more GM varieties in Europe is not the answer.

“If these proposals go ahead, it will open Wales and Europe to GMOs. Within the internal market GM seeds and products will circulate freely. Contamination does not stop at borders. The Welsh Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, published key messages on GMOs and coexistence with other crops just three weeks ago. Once again there was strong support for an all-Wales GM free zone.

"However, the new UK government minister has committed the UK to becoming the most pro-GM government yet. If the decision on GMOs is left to the UK, we need a commitment that the democratic wishes of Wales in this matter will be respected. I will be raising this issue with the Commissioner.

"Even if that is forthcoming, measures to avoid contamination, particularly of organic crops, must be implemented. Strict liability rules must ensure that the users of GMOs pay for all damages and testing costs.

"On a European level there should be a ban on any new GMO approvals until proper risk assessments are carried out to ensure GMOs pose no danger to human health and the environment."

Diwedd/End.