The consultation process on the environment known as the “Grenelle de l’Environnement” has, in general, provided support for positions which ORAMA has been advocating energetically.  The ambitious objectives set by the public authorities so that our agriculture can respond to both food and non-food needs of the planet have been clearly endorsed.  The biofuel outlet has been strengthened, as the Head of State has stressed that commitments made would be respected and that second generation biofuels had to be developed, thus conferring legitimacy on our investments in research.  The importance of the role of plant protection products has been recognised, and any change in strategy for the use of these products is to be linked to the emergence of credible alternatives.

Nevertheless, grain and oil and protein seed producers wish to stress the need for maintaining specific taxation measures for biofuel and for French farming to have access to new plant protection products at the same time as other European countries.
 
They have expressed regret that the Grenelle conclusions had absolutely no statements relevant to commercial GM crops.  Many totally impartial studies have been conducted in France and Europe, in compliance with the strictest rules of science, and have provided valid answers to the questions addressed.
 
ORAMA is calling for European Union legislation on this issue to be respected and urgently calls upon the Public Authorities to keep their promise to have a clear legal framework adopted as soon as possible, so that 2008 does not become a “gap year” for GM crops.
 
Producers of grain and oil and protein seed crops wish to recall that they have always endeavoured to reconcile economic efficiency and ecological efficiency, and that they must be able to use the appropriate means needed to achieve performance levels and remain competitive in a global economy.
 
Contact : Pascal HURBAULT, 01 44 31 16 25 et 06 72 42 06 36