London (16 January, 2006) – Last week, the European Commission today authorised the marketing of three genetically modified maize lines.

Two of them, GA21 and MON863, are intended for use in human food and food ingredients while the third (MON863x810) is intended mainly for animal feed and industrial processing.

The authorisations will remain valid for 10 years and are restricted to imports; these varieties may not be cultivated in the European Union.

Also last week, the Commission ordered Greece to lift its ban on planting Monsanto’s genetically modified (GMO) maize seeds. Greece, which consistently votes against proposals for new GMO authorisations in the EU, may appeal against the order at the European Court of Justice, the Union’s highest court. The Greek farmers' union said it would urge the Greek Agriculture Minister to file such an appeal.

Sources:

1. GMOs: Three maize types authorised for marketing in the EU. Europa (13.1.06) (http://europa.eu.int/rapid/showInformation.do?pageName=middayExpress&guiLanguage=en)

2. Jeremy Smith. EU tells Greece to lift ban on Monsanto maize seeds. Reuters (10.1.06) (http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/34421/story.htm)

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