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February 11, 2008
Source:
GMO Compass
Following
three days of intense debate, the French Sénat adopted a revised
draft of a new biotechnology law on Friday guaranteeing farmers
"the freedom to produce with or without genetically modified
organisms". On the very same day, the Minister of Agriculture,
Michel Barnier, officially notified the European Commission of
France’s use of the safeguard clause and of national suspension
of the cultivation of MON 810 maize. However, field trials with
genetically modified plants shall continue.
The new
French biotechnology law is designed to transfer the European
directive on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMO)
into national law. It therefore guarantees the use of GMOs "with
the respect to common prescriptions", indicating that
agricultural products with less than 0.9% genetically modified
organisms will be regarded as GMO free. If the threshold of 0.9%
is exceeded, for example by cross pollination, a neighbouring
farmer or bee keeper will be entitled to compensation for his or
her loss of income. Minimum distances that ensure the
coexistence of genetically engineered and conventional or
organic cultures will be defined by decree of the Minister of
Agriculture. Such distances will be reviewed every other year.
The Sénat also has introduced a new clause into the draft law
that makes the destruction of GMO cultures a punishable offence.
Two to three years of imprisonment and a penalty of 75,000 to
150,000 euros may be imposed upon so-called "field liberators".
As a
consequence of its disputed recommendation to suspend the
authorisation of MON 810, the "High Authority" on biotechnology
will be restructured towards more scientific expertise. Chaired
in its previous form by a politician, the renamed "High Council"
will be chaired by a scientist. Furthermore, the scientific
committee of the council will reach decisions ("avis") while its
societal committee will express recommendations
("recommendations"). The National Assembly is expected to vote
on the draft biotechnology law in the first week of April.
Notification of the safeguard clause with respect to MON 810 may
interrupt the cultivation of Bt-maize in France in the coming
season. Published in the Official Journal on 9th of February,
the decision by Minister Barnier interdicts the cultivation of
MON 810 until European bodies have clarified serious doubts on
the safety of this maize line that were expressed in January by
the French High Authority. It is doubtable if such clarity will
have been achieved in time for sowing, which usually takes place
in April or by mid May. For this reason, the French maize
growers association (AGPM) already have announced the intention
to take legal action against the national ban. Last year, 21,000
hectares of MON 810 were grown in France and AGPM spokesperson
Luc Esprit has expressed hope that a judgement will be rendered
in time to ensure its further use. Otherwise, Esprit predicts a
loss of 10 Mio. Euro for growers of Bt-maize.
See also on GMO-Compass:
Further information:
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