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Brussels, 1 December 2004:
Co-existence of GM and non GM maize crops can be successfully delivered by
applying a few simple measures according to a report published today.
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.
According to one of the authors of
the report,
Graham Brookes:
‘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!
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
Co-existence in
North American agriculture: can GM crops be grown with conventional and
organic crops?
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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