Ban on Bt Maize
Producers take the case to the Conseil d’Etat
2/20/2008
This morning, the General Association of Maize Growers (AGPM), co-partner in ORAMA with AGPB and FOP, lodged two appeals with the Conseil d’Etat, one being an application to set aside the ruling handed down on February 7 and modified by a second ruling on February 13, and the other being a summary application for an interim order to suspend the same ruling which bans the use of MON810 Bt maize for crops in France.
A Ban Infringing the Law On matters of substance, the ban has no scientific basis, as has been pointed out for a number of weeks now; the two rulings thus infringe the law applying here. As can be seen with reactions to the announcement in the world of research, and specifically the reactions of the vast majority of the researchers who are members of the Preliminary Committee of the Senior Authority on GMOs, the ban is the result of a purely politically motivated exercise. Suspending the ruling, as a matter of urgency The Government’s decision, aimed at banning the sowing of Bt maize for the 2008 crop, is likely to cause serious damage very soon in areas where conventional maize is exposed to corn borer and stem borer attacks, which is why the application was made for an interim order to suspend the ruling. There is economic damage as BT maize protects crops from pest attacks. In 2007, GM maize produced an average of 100 euros per hectare in additional income. There is environmental damage as maize farmers will have to make one or two applications of insecticide. These treatments will be essential to protect crops, and would be a step backwards compared to Bt maize which is less likely to harm non-target insects. And there is plant healthdamage as Bt maize produces a significant decrease in certain types of fusariosis, making it easier to respond to market demand for maize with low levels of mycotoxins.
AGPM is thus defending the interests of the maize sector and is providing full support for farmers who have chosen to take individual legal action on the decision to ban Bt maize.
Ban on Bt Maize
Producers take the case to the Conseil d’Etat