Germany: BASF moves GM operations to USA
The company is shifting its focus to the Americas and Asia in a move which will lead to a loss of 140 European jobs. Some of these will be relocated to Berlin, but the bulk of them will be moved to North Carolina.
Opposition to the move has come from lobbying groups who predict that Europe will, in the future, end up paying more to import GM produce once it becomes more acceptable and from the European Commission where there is concern that Europe and Germany in particular, is losing its share of what is seen as a growing industry.
Friends of the Earth have expressed satisfaction at the move which they say is "a nail in the coffin of GM foods within Europe."
Sources: www.businessweek.com; www.nytimes.com
