The European Union is to radically overhaul its approval system for genetically modified (GM) crops from next month, opening the way to large-scale GM cultivation in Europe, draft proposals seen by Reuters on Friday showed.
With most Europeans showing no appetite for GM produce in food, EU politicians have approved just two varieties for growing in 12 years, compared with more than 150 worldwide. One of the approved GM varieties is the starch potato Amflora.
Under proposals due to be adopted on July 13, the EU executive Commission will be given greater freedom to approve new GM varieties for cultivation in return for letting EU governments decide whether or not to grow them.
"It is expected that the authorisation process of GMO cultivation at EU level will become more efficient", a Commission analysis accompanying the proposals said.
The French Agriculture Ministry said it could not comment on the plans until it had studied them.
The French Agriculture Ministry said it could not comment on the plans until it had studied them.
EU governments may give initial reactions to the proposals at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg next Friday, where France has called for a debate on the bloc's GMO policy.
Commercial GM planting in Europe last year covered less than 100,000 hectares, mostly in Spain, compared with 134 million hectares globally.
The plan is likely to see an increase in commercial planting in countries already using GM technology, such as Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic, while legally endorsing existing GM bans in countries including Italy, Austria and Hungary.
