France bans planting of Monsanto maize
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French farmers will no longer be able to plant seeds from the maize line MON 810, as of Saturday. A new decree prevents Monsanto maize from being grown as a measure of precaution. Fresh scientifc evidence has revealed that the planting of genetically modified maize from the US agro-chemical giant could pose serious risks to the environment, rerpots RFI.
French authorities have been trying to establish a new ban on GM corn after a senior court twice struck down previous attempts. Saturday's decree was timed to avert any sowing of GM maize by farmers before a law banning planting of GMOs is debated at the National Assembly in April.
Environmentalists have welcomed the move, but remain prudent. They want a long-term legal frame work banning GM maize crops, not a stop-gap measure.
EU countries are currently debating changes to domestic and European laws to ensure a long-term ban.
Currently, the MON 810 insect-resistant maize is the only GMO variety authorized in the European Union. ■