German States May Opt out of GMO Maize
As Germany's federal government has apparently decided not to opt out of planting the genetically manipulated maize Pioneer 1507, expected to be approved by the European Commission soon, some of the country's federal states (Bundesländer) may attempt to do so.
In February of this year, Germany paved the way for EU approval of the GMO crop by abstaining from a vote in the Council of Ministers. Without a majority against the approval, the Commission is free to make its own decision and this is expected to be in favor.
Opponents of the maize developed by seeds producer Pioneer in cooperation with chemical multinational DuPont received support on Apr. 11 as the chamber of the German states, Bundesrat, voted in favor of state-level action.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is said to have dropped her opposition to GMO maize. France, however, has issued a decree banning plantings. Under current EU rules, a national opt-out is only possible if the crop is determined to be a threat to the environment or human health or if a majority of member states votes to allow the procedure.
EU consumer affairs commissioner Neven Mimica said recently that, as support for a decision at national level is growing, an opt-out clause could become reality by this autumn.
If this does happen and the states are allowed to opt out, Pioneer 1507 could not be planted in Germany at all. Any approval by the EU would come too late for planting in 2014 and would likely take effect before the planting season in 2015, the federal agriculture ministry has said.
