GM crops given boost by EU judges
Judges have confirmed that additional national procedures, on top of the existing EU wide process (European Food Safety Authority), are unlawful.
"The cultivation of genetically modified organisms cannot be made subject to a national authorisation procedure when the use and marketing of those varieties are authorized," said a Court of Justice spokesperson.
"The relevant EU legislation does not entitle a member state to prohibit in a general manner the cultivation on its territory of such genetically modified organisms pending the adoption of co-existence measures to avoid the unintended presence of genetically modified organisms in other crops."
The ruling relates to an Italian case, but is also of interest in relation to the recent cultivation of GM potatoes in Ireland.
The approval of this project follows a detailed examination and assessment by the EPA of a notification from Teagasc. The duration of the consent is for four years, from 2012 to 2016 (inclusive), with post-trial monitoring continuing until 2020. Planting will not exceed two hectares in area.
Source: farminglife.com
