London (23.4.09) – The decision of the German federal government to ban the cultivation of GM-maize MON810 (http://www.cropgen.org/article_231.html) continues to generate a storm of protest both within Germany and abroad.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, one of Germany’s leading newspapers, carried an article about an approaching round table on genetic engineering which referred to reaction from abroad (1):

After the frontal attack by consumer Minister Ilse Aigner on the scientific authorities of the country, what are the chances now for the “round table” on gene technology planned for 20th May in Berlin to which "all stakeholders - researchers, churches, farmers, activists, companies” have been invited by research minister Annette Schavan? For the biologists' Association "Vbio" it is the only sensible way out of the misery. And if there are desperate-sounding notes of protest from the alliance of science organizations, from industry and - most recently - the appeal signed by international scientists from Stanford to Adelaide, which Vivian Moses of London's University College has organized, it seems that, after this, a constantly modern and innovative incoming government can no longer avoid political turmoil following the ban of GM maize but will have to organize a crisis round table inviting all stakeholders.

That letter by international scientists, sent in almost identical form to both the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and to the newspaper, is reproduced below.

Vigorous discussion continues in the German press. Der Spiegel has published a spirited article (2) arguing that Germany’s demonising of Monsanto is hampering progress in addressing world food problems. Nor is the biotech. industry asleep: Monsanto, the originator of MON810, announced they will sue the German government in time for the spring 2009 maize plantings (3).

The glee of the anti-GM campaigners at the recent German government action may yet turn out to be premature; the fight to restore sanity in that country is not yet over.

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Dear Chancellor,

We, scientists and related colleagues from a number of countries appalled at the ban on MON810 announced earlier this week by Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner, wish to express to you our deep distress at this misfortune which has befallen your country.

Admired for centuries throughout the world, German science, the science of Helmholtz and Leibniz, of Fischer and Bunsen, and of Einstein and Heisenberg, is turning itself into a scientific and technological basket case. Max Planck, with an institute of plant breeding in Cologne named in his honour, must be spinning in his grave.

The facts are years of beneficial experience with MON810 both in Germany and around the world. For a minister of the Federal Government, to succumb to anti-science, anti-technology and anti-intellectual pressure from groups and interests catering solely for their narrow sectional agendas is beyond belief. One press report quoted her as saying "My decision is not a political decision, it's a decision based on the facts". What are those "facts"? Flawed data in badly constructed experiments or political pressure convenient for a weak government in an uncertain political environment?

We hope that you will yet exercise your authority to dismiss this ill-intentioned decision by Minister Aigner and save the reputation of Germany, German science and German leadership. We can understand a minister making an unfortunate mistake if that error is acknowledged and reversed. We will not understand if Frau Aigner receives the support of her colleagues at the highest levels of government.

We have written in similar vein to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeiting.

Sincerely yours,

Professor Vivian Moses, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, Queen Mary, University of London
Professor Klaus Ammann, Emeritus Professor and former Director Botanical Garden, University of Bern, Sabanci University, Istanbul
Mr. Mark Cantley, Former Adviser, Life Sciences Directorate, European Commission. Brussels
Professor Bruce Chassy, Professor of Food Microbiology, University of Illinois, Champaign
Univ. Prof. Dr. Margit Laimer, Plant Biotechnology Unit, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien
Professor Alan McHughen, Specialist in Biotechnology and Genetics, University of California, Riverside
Dr. Henry I. Miller; Fellow, Hoover Institution; Stanford University
Dr. Piero Morandini, Department of Biology, University of Milan
Prof. Dr. Ingo Potrykus, Chairman Humanitarian Golden Rice Board & Network, Professor Emeritus, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zürich
Professor C.S. Prakash, Tuskegee University, Alabama
Dr. Christopher Preston, Associate Professor of Weed Management, University of Adelaide
Professor Tomasz Twardowski, President Polish Federation of Biotechnology and member of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan.

Sources:

1. Joachim Müller-Jung (21.4.09). Runder Tisch zur Gentechnik. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (http://www.faz.net/s/Rub268AB64801534CF288DF93BB89F2D797/Doc~EA59400A111BC4F79A8C7CA2AF189811C~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html)

2. Christian Schwägerl (22.4.09). Is demonizing Monsanto blocking real progress? Der Spiegel (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,620492,00.html)

3. Monsanto seeks end to German GMO maize ban for '09 crop. The Guardian (22.4.09) (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8467513)

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