London (5.5.09) –Monsanto have lost their case in the Brunswick Administrative Court against the banning of GM-maize MON810 by the Federal Agricultural Minister Ilse Aigner (1, 2).

But the matter will not end there: "We are convinced of the soundness of our position and will explore the use of further legal action" confirmed Ursula Lüttmer-Ouazane, Managing Director, Monsanto Agricultural Germany. "The arbitrary prohibition of MON 810 by the Federal Agricultural Minister Ilse Aigner is not supported by convincing scientific evidence that such a measure would be justified”.

“Today's court ruling restricts farmers in their choice to exploit new technologies leading to a sustainable agriculture. MON 810 offers economic, environmental and quality advantages: higher crop yields and thus income growth for farmers, less use of insecticides and improved quality of maize via lower mycotoxin (fungal toxins) of corn”, said Lüttmer-Ouazane.

Sources:

1. Monsanto zum Beschluss des Verwaltungsgerichts Braunschweig über das Anbauverbot für MON 810: Beschluss im Eilverfahren enttäuschend - Monsanto prüft nächste Schritte. Finanz Nachrichten (5.5.09) (http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2009-05/13813956-monsanto-zum-beschluss-des-verwaltungsgerichts-braunschweig-ueber-das-anbauverbot-fuer-mon-810-beschluss-im-eilverfahren-enttaeuschend-monsanto-pru-007.htm)

2. Michael Hogan (5.5.09). German court rejects Monsanto plea to end GMO maize ban. Reuters (http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKL558166220090505)

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