Genetically modified Bt maize is safe

During International Green Week in Berlin, scientists presented a clear conclusion drawn from 25 years of biosafety research: genetically modified Bt maize is as safe as conventional maize.

Genetically modified Bt maize: New test with bee larvae

Scientists at the University of Würzburg publish results: No difference between bee larvae fed on conventional and Bt maize pollen.

GM plants in animal feed: No long-term consequences

Meta-study on feeding experiments: The use of GM plants in food and feed is not likely to cause adverse long-term effects, according to the results of a new meta-study. The authors come to the conclusion that 90-day feeding trials are generally sufficient to ensure that a GM plant is safe.

Cultivation of GM maize 1507: No concerns, but precautionary measures for butterflies and moths

EFSA publishes an expanded and updated risk assessment on genetically modified Bt maize 1507. New attempt to authorise cultivation in the EU.

Experts call for changes to EU genetic engineering legislatation

Member states to be given greater decision-making powers for GMO cultivation authorisations, but majority of national governments oppose the proposal.

Is glyphosate dangerous? Anti-herbicide campaign on shaky ground

US scientist on lecture tour – German government: Current data do not justify a suspension or restriction of the glyphosate authorisation.

USA: Genetically modified oilseed rape found on uncultivated land

When genetically modified oilseed rape is grown on a large scale, the plants also grow on uncultivated land. According to a recent study, around 80 per cent of oilseed rape plants found along verges and at filling stations are genetically modified.

A study with omissions

Germany’s organic food industry association questions risk assessments of genetically modified plants

First resistant corn rootworms found in the USA

Scientists find living corn rootworms and corn rootworm feeding damage in fields of genetically modified Bt maize. Extent of resistance not yet known.

Will it now be impossible to grow genetically modified plants outdoors?

Following the ECJ honey ruling: Politicians and associations call for safety distances of up to ten kilometres between GM fields and beehives. Beekeepers fear for their livelihoods.

ECJ: French ban on MON810 maize has no legal basis

European Court of Justice sets narrow limits on national cultivation bans for GM plants. Only admissible in the case of “a clear risk to human and animal health or the environment”.

Plant genetic engineering: China hesitates on the brink

China is doing more than almost any other country to promote research in the area of plant biotechnology. But so far, no GM food or fodder crops are being grown.

Bt plants: Good resistance management means no resistant pests

Studies by US ecologists: Resistance management strategy combining high-dose Bt protein and refuges has proved successful. - Western corn rootworm: First indications of resistant pests.

“Brutal, targeted attack”

Field trials with genetically modified potatoes and wheat destroyed - Attackers used brutal violence against the guards.

EU member states to be allowed to ban GM crops

EU Parliament adopts proposal to allow national bans on GM crops on grounds of environmental risks and economic cost. Requires agreement with Council of Ministers.

Next-generation biotechnological plant-breeding techniques

New report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Not clear: Do the plants produced using the new breeding methods count as genetically modified or not?

Cultivation of genetically modified plants: Few facts; many preconceived ideas

European Commission presents report on socio-economic implications of GMO cultivation

“The environmental effects identified fall within the spectrum for conventional varieties.”

Another funding period for biological safety research into genetically modified plants has come to an end - The results of the research projects were presented to more than 150 participants.

EFSA’s Executive Director: “If we exclude everyone who receives money from industry, we won’t have many experts left.”

Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle responds to criticisms levelled at the European Food Safety Authority. Scientific quality is the deciding factor when selecting experts

Genetic engineering: Criteria for national cultivation bans remain unclear

EU member states sceptical about Commission proposal, believing it to be incompatible with the rules of the free single market and the regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO).