By Robert Derham, Checkbiotech

Late last week, the Portuguese Newspaper, Diario de Noticias, reported the Portuguese government has approved transgenic maize.

The Portuguese Council of Ministers decided on Thursday of last week (April 21) that farmers will be allowed to grow several varieties of genetically modified maize during the next growing season.

In total, Portuguese farmers with have access to 17 new varieties of genetically engineered maize from different seed providers.

The Portuguese Agriculture Ministry also made reference to new legislation that will help regulate the new transgenic varieties. A Ministry spokesperson noted that the legislation guarantees that genetically modified varieties will be able to coexist with conventional crops.

In addition, Pioneer Hi-Bred Sementes de Protugal will be undergoing field trials for four GM maize varieties. Pioneer Hi-Bred received permission from the European Commission to test the maize, that are resistant to certain types of insects or pesticides. Testing will run from April 2005 until the end of 2008.

This year, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission for Biotechnology and GMOs has given notice of over 50 new field trials* in the first quarter of 2005. In comparison, the Centre reported just over 60 new field trials for all of 2004.

Sources: Checkbiotech, BBC, Diario de Noticias, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission for Biotechnology and GMOs

* http://www.seedquest.com/News/Companies/Europe/EuropeanCommission_jrc.htm