Seeds of doubt - Member States voice concerns over GMOs
Member States are voicing concerns over the European Commission's plans to push for legislation which would make producers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) liable for any harm their release may cause to human health or the environment. The resistance comes with a month still to go before a debate on the subject begins in earnest. The European Commission wants to lift the current ban on licensing GMOs, which it says is illegal. But the Member States argue that the legislation would be unfair on farmers who may unwittingly plant crops contaminated with GM seed. Amid the current legal uncertainty, the European Commission is calling on Member States to allow it to begin the authorisation process for GMOs and address both producers' and the public's concerns. This includes plans to publish new proposals for labelling and traceability in the autumn. 'Our role is first and foremost to provide a framework for the authorisation and control of GMOs which is reliable and safe for the consumers and the environment,' said Margot Wallström, European Commissioner for the Environment.