Brussels, 03/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - With GMOs (genetically modified organisms) both farmers and consumers have to be guaranteed freedom of choice and safety, but, it would appear, this is easier to talk about than to bring about. That was the view of all at the public hearing, chaired by Catherine Soullie (EPP, France), shadow rapporteur on the Commission proposal that member states be allowed to restrict or ban crops of GMOs that have been legally authorised in the EU, held at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday 2 March.
Noting the different approaches adopted by the various member states, eight of which have called a moratorium on crops of authorised GMOs, Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner John Dalli once again gave assurances that any decisions would be based on scientific assessments. To take the debate forward, he announced that a series of workshops with all the stakeholders would be held very shortly.
Soullie suggested that “the discussion on GMOs must be part of the wider framework of the review of the common agricultural policy” and a fair balance has to be found between the need to give European farmers the wherewithal to face the growing competition from outside the EU and ensuring freedom of choice for consumers. “Yes, our agriculture has to be competitive on the global market but never should this be at the expense of European consumers' safety”, she stressed.
She said the Commission proposal, which will be discussed by the Parliament environment and public health committee on 12 April, is far from satisfactory. “If the proposal is adopted as it stands, the responsibility for authorising or banning GMO crops will lie with member states alone. If we want to maintain the coherence of our internal market, a system which distorts competition between our farmers cannot be a solution”. Similar criticisms have already been made in the Council of the EU. The issue will once again be on the agenda of the Environment Council on 14 March. (A.N./transl.rt)