http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-855996,00.html

The Times

October 16, 2003

GM food giant Monsanto starts retreat from Europe

By Valerie Elliott

MONSANTO, the American biotechnology firm leading the field in genetically
modified foods, announced yesterday that it was pulling out of the European
seed cereal business and closing its operation in Trumpington, Cambridge,
with the loss of 125 jobs.

The surprise move came as the Government prepared to publish the results of
scientific tests on GM crops and their effects on the environment and
wildlife, delighting anti-GM campaigners who scented victory in the battle
over the controversial technology.

Jeff Cox, general manager for Monsanto UK, denied that there was any link
 with the huge opposition to GM crops in Europe, although he admitted that
 the timing of the announcement was "unfortunate". The decision was part of a
 global corporate strategy that would save the company some $90 million to
 $105 million (£54 million to £63 million) after tax. He made clear, too,
 that the company would continue to lobby against the EU's "de facto
 moratorium on GM crops".

The company blamed the failure in the growth of a market in hybrid wheat
 seeds for the decision and said that it intended to move to a new base in
 Cambridge for its crop protection and oilseed rape business.

Asked whether the decision was connected with the stinging rebuke of the GM
companies this week from Margaret Wallstrom, the EU Environment Commissioner,
Mr Cox said: "I am not getting drawn on that." Ms Wallstrom had accused them
of "trying to lie" and "to force" unsuitable crops on European farmland.

The pressure group Friends of the Earth was, however, convinced that the move
was related to the GM controversy. Its spokesman, Pete Riley, said that when
Monsanto bought the former Plant Breeding International business in 1998 it
was always said that it would be its springboard for GM in Europe. "If they
are pulling out then we should rejoice."

The only companies now involved in GM crops in BRitain are Syngenta, which
 was formed after a merger of Astra Zeneca and Novartis, and
 BayerLifeScience, which has also threatened to pull out.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors gave warning last night that GM
crops in the UK would cause chaos unless there were a land registration
system. It suggested that biotechnology firms should be given legal
responsibility to publicise all GM sites three months before planting.