[B] GMOs: Greenpeace opposes EU approval procedure for 3 new
crops

March 7, 2000

By Leen Van Parys, Bridge News

Brussels--Mar 6--Greenpeace Monday urged the European Commission to
withdraw a draft proposal seeking the commercialization of 2 genetically
modified oilseed rape crops and 1 fodder beet variety, in the light of
growing evidence that certain characteristics of genetically modified
crops can spread to wild plants.




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A committee of EU member states' representatives is scheduled to vote
Thursday on the authorization of these 3 new genetically modified crops.

While Greenpeace said it has indications that there will be no qualified
majority in favor of the proposal, it also said that seeking a vote on
the release of 3 new gentech crops goes against the de facto moratorium on
the release of new GM crops, agreed by EU member states back in June.

"There should be a ban on approvals until article 90/220 (EU law on
novel food) is revised and until there are better labeling and liability
rules," Ceri Lewis, Greenpeace GE Political Advisor, said Monday.

Lewis said that there are clear environmental and safety problems
involved in the growing of these crops. "There should be a ban on the
growing of all 3 crops because only a ban on the crops will properly
represent the will of the majority of citizens in the EU," she added.

Lewis also said that even if the committee Thursday does not approve the
proposal, there is still a danger the new crops would finally be
approved.

Under EU law, the Commission proposal will be transferred to EU
environmental ministers for approval if there is no qualified majority
in favor at the representatives' meeting. The ministers can only reject the
proposal by unanimity, in all other cases (majority in favor or
against), the proposal is approved. The next meeting of EU environment ministers
is scheduled Mar 30. End

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