Germany
March 14, 2009
Source:
GMO Compass
German
agriculture minister Ilse Aigner (CSU) believes that a general
ban on planting genetically modified maize in Germany cannot be
politically enforced at present. In an article written for
"Bayernkurier" she confirmed, however, that the MON810 Bt maize
authorisation is currently being reevaluated. Aigner once again
spoke out for biosafety research of GM crops.
"A firm
stance on the part of the CSU or myself against planting does
not make it a majority on a national level. It is just not
possible at the moment to reach a majority for a general ban in
Germany," says Aigner in the latest issue of Bayernkurier.
However, she would like to campaign for a "local" decision to be
made at the state or county level in future on the planting of
green gene technology crops.
Aigner
pointed out that Germany has not placed a ban on the planting of
genetically modified MON810 maize, like other EU countries. Her
predecessor Horst Seehofer "decided to take another path" and
allow planting under certain monitoring conditions. The report
on that plan's adherence to environmental monitoring should be
submitted "sometime this month". Should it turn out that the
plan has not been complied with, Aigner sees "no alternative to
a ban".
Aigner
spoke out for the continuance of biosafety research on GM crops.
"As a country poor in mineral resources, Germany must place
particular emphasis on science, research and technological
development. Our prosperity depends on it – now and in future.
Therefore, it makes sense to take an active part in shaping
research that will be used worldwide. This goes for genetic
engineering in general and for green gene technology in
particular – also for any related safety issues."
Germany's
environment minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) voiced a similar
opinion while visiting KWS Saat, the country's leading
plant-breeding company, located in Einbeck (Niedersachsen).
Gabriel spoke out for genetic engineering research. Field trials
with genetically modified plants, however, should not present
any risk to the ecosystem. Furthermore, plants in such field
trials should not be able to migrate to agricultural crops.
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