Press release: Embargo Immediate, Wednesday 2nd July

European MPs have today decided to give EU governments the right to severely restrict the growing of genetically modified crops in order to protect conventional or organic farmers from cross-contamination.

Voting to establish common rules for the use of GM products, the European Parliament backed amendments tabled by the UK Liberal Democrats calling for EU member states to be able to "take appropriate measures to avoid the unintended presence of GMOs in other products." The wording reflects a compromise already agreed with the Council of Ministers and is therefore certain to be approved.

The European Commission is due to publish guidelines later this month on the co-existence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops. The European Parliament's vote will allow for different national approaches to be taken if they are based on scientific evidence.

Agreement on a range of common rules is needed to lift the de facto moratorium in Europe on the growing of GM crops and to head off a trade dispute with the USA. The EU has now agreed that any foodstuffs containing more than 0.9% GM products should be clearly labelled. These rules have to be approved by the World Trade Organisation, but with no proven risk to human health from GM products the USA argues that such labelling will be a disguised form of trade protection.

Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, said:

"Customers must have as much information as necessary so that they can decide for themselves what products to buy. This careful compromise at the level of the European Union will allow for the development of GM products at the same time as research on genetic modification continues.

"The agreement allows for the end of the moratorium on GM products and should avoid a trade war between the EU and US. We can in this way also start to make up lost time in GM technology.

"All our decisions must be based on science. We must ensure a high level of protection of human and animal health, with transparent authorisation procedures. We need legal certainty for operators and traders to carry out their business.

"Co-existence between different forms of agriculture can be guaranteed under this sophisticated EU legislation. A full review of the law after two years is also provided for."