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New research proves that
co-existence is NOT a problem The
report "Genetically
Modified Maize - Pollen Movement and Crop Co-existence" was published just
as the European Commission failed to come to a decision on whether national bans
on a number of authorised GMOs currently in place in five EU member states
should be lifted, and as a number of member states have put forward their rules
for co-existence. ‘The evidence is clear cut and consistent – all you need for co-existence of GM and non GM maize is four buffer rows or several metres separation distance between crops. This contrasts with impractical and disproportionate maize co-existence rules being put forward in some member states’ The report reviewed the commercial experience of farmers who grow GM maize in Spain and summarised the findings of a number of co-existence research studies in Europe and other countries. Key findings: > GM-specific co-existence research in Spain and France shows that by applying good farming practices and normal harvesting practices alone (i.e. without the formal application of co-existence measures) the 99.1% purity threshold set by the 2004 EU labelling legislation can be achieved. > By applying additional specific co-existence measures in isolation or in combination the probability of GM adventitious presence being found in a non GM maize crop (grown in close proximity) is reduced further. > Experience from Spain shows that the application of four buffer rows of non GM maize between a GM crop (on the GM growing farm) and a non GM crop (on an adjacent farm in plots of under 1 hectare) as a single measure has delivered effective co-existence. > A separation distance of 6 metres is also effective. Application of a greater separation distance (e.g. 10-12 metres identified in the French co-existence research) offers additional provision for worst case scenarios and reduces further the probability of GM adventitious presence occurring to minute levels. A copy of the report "Genetically Modified Maize - Pollen Movement and Crop Co-existence" can be downloaded - click here! [1] There are nine contributor authors from PG Economics Ltd (UK), IRTA (Spain), Arvalis (France) and Maiz Europ (France) OPEN PDF DOCUEMENTS click the titles: "Genetically Modified Maize - Pollen Movement and Crop Co-existence" Co-existence of GM and non-GM crops: current experience and key principles GM and non GM arable crops can co-exist in the EU without problems: says new research paper Co-existence of GM and non GM crops in the UK can occur without problems Co-existence of GM and non GM crops: economic and market perspectives - PDF format Co-existence of GM and non GM crops: case study of maize grown in Spain - PDF format Co-existence of GM and non GM crops in the UK can occur without problems - PDF format
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