It likely to soon become harder for European farmers to
plant genetically-modified crops.
The European Union is giving member states the power to ban
the cultivation of genetically-modified crops even if they have been approved the EU’s food safety authority.
The 28 EU has approved the rule that national governments
can have the final say in the matter — a move that goes counter to many EU
initiatives, which traditionally seek a common stance on EU policies.
Mute Schimpf of Friends of the Earth Europe says the new law
"is a massive opportunity for national governments to shut the door on
biotech crops in Europe."
Only one GM crop — corn — is planted in the EU so far,
predominantly in Spain. Under the rules, governments would still have to
consult biotech companies when banning a crop.
