Brussels, Belgium
April 25, 2003

For generations, farmers around the world have managed co-existence between different crop production practices, just as they have managed the production of the same crop type kept separate because of different end uses. Coexistence has been achieved by accepting agreed trace levels of
produce from one farming practice, or crop, in the produce of another; such traces are not intentional but are adventitiously present because farming is conducted in the open environment. For example, higher priced waxy maize grain is likely to contain traces of feed quality maize grains when they are grown in the same neighbourhood or if the farmer uses the same machinery for seeding and harvesting all maize crops. "Coexistence is not a new concept. What we need is to agree on practical allowances for traces of GM crops in other crops including organic farming produce," says Simon Barber, Director of the Plant Biotechnology Unit at EuropaBio.

EuropaBio welcomes the holding by the Commission of a stakeholders' discussion on co-existence but warns against using the debate to further delay the implementation of existing EU legislation on GMO's. "There is no question of the safety of these GM crops, they will all have undergone rigorous health and environmental safety assessments before they are authorised for growing by farmers. Co-existence is purely about enabling choice in the marketplace," says Simon Barber.

The evidence from areas around the world where GM crops have been commercially grown over the past seven years shows that both large and small scale farmers have benefited from using these crops. While providing clear evidence of economic and management benefits for the growers, data also show environmental benefits - growing these crops enables a more economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

European farmers should be allowed to choose the crops they wish to grow, whether they are GM, traditional or organic so that the market can continue to provide farmers, food and feed processors and consumers with choice. "No form of agriculture should be excluded in the EU and no sector of agricultural production should have the power of veto over another," says Simon Barber. "The EU must guard against the calls for zero tolerance or the setting of unrealistic allowances that result in the exclusion of one crop type or farming practice to the detriment of another."

EuropaBio represents 35 corporate members directly and, through its 21 member associations, over 1200 SMEs. All are involved in research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. EuropaBio, the voice of European bioindustries, aims to be a promoting force for biotechnology and to present its proposals to industry, politicians, regulators, NGOs, and the public at large.