EU Lets Poland Ban GMO Maize Seeds Across Country

Poland has won European Union approval for its national ban on using 16 types of genetically modified (GMO) maize seeds, with the restriction to stay in place indefinitely, the European Commission said on Monday.

Poland was also allowed to ban the use of some 700 non-GMO maize varieties throughout the entire country, it said. "In the case of both the GM and non-GM maize varieties in question, the varieties are known to have too high a maturity class to enable them to be cultivated in Poland," the Commission said in a statement. "This means that these maize varieties are characterised by a long growing cycle and, under Polish climatic conditions, will not reach the necessary ripeness required at the harvesting stage," it said. The Commission usually takes the view that if a region wants to ban GMO crops, such restrictions have to be scientifically justified and crop-specific -- not overtly political motivated or blanket bans on all biotech seeds or crops. No biotech seeds have been planted in Poland and the ruling conservatives, who have long backed a GMO-free Poland, have said they could even seek changes to the bloc's biotech policy.

Source: REUTERS NEWS SERVICE