Member states’ power to ban GMOs must be strengthened

Following a vote this morning on the cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Parliament's Environment committee, GUE/NGL MEP Lynn Boylan has highlighted the importance of protecting a member state's right to ban the cultivation of GMOs on its territory.

The Irish MEP said: “The Environment committee has adopted a report that goes some way to putting the rights of democratically-elected governments over biotech companies. It is essential we have opt-outs for member states and regions wishing to sidestep EU authorisations of GMOs. We simply cannot accept legal privileges for industry.

“I am pleased with much of the progress we have made to date within the Parliament but the hard work starts when negotiations begin with the Council and the Commission. It is simply unacceptable that EU governments in Council propose a system that would require member states to ask permission from biotech companies not to include their territories in the companies’ GMO authorisation requests.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group