The first GM crop to be approved in the EU for 12 years was cleared by the EU Commission on 2 March.The decision was finally taken by the Commission because the position of the different Member States was so divided that the EU Council of Agriculture Ministries had not been able to reach an agreement. Countries opposing its approval were Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg and Poland. The Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden were supportive.In spite of the EU approval, individual countries still have the right to decide whether it should be grown in their territory.

The crop, a potato called Amflora, was developed by BASF and is for the production of starch for industry, not for human consumption. In spite of that, countries that opposed argued that this crop could eventually reduce biodiversity and natural resistance to pests and disease. One of the most controversial aspects of this new GM crop is that it carries an antibioticresistant gene, and it cannot be guaranteed that it will not enter the food chain.

Currently, there are a further 17 GM products in the approval process for cultivation and 44 products awaiting authorisation for food and feed as well as for import and processing in the EU.

Sources: BBC news; Euroactiv; Irishtimes