Poland: ban on genetically modified crops

Poland's government will defend its ban on genetically modified foods against any European Union demands to allow the planting of biotech crops, announced Environment Minister Jan Szyszko. „Poland is to be free of food produced on the basis of genetically modified organisms,” Szyszko said at a news conference, adding that a bill the government sent to parliament this week will maintain the current ban.

„We believe this is in accordance with the European Union's directives,” Szyszko said. „Of course, there are other opinions and we will now discuss this with the European Commission.” About 95% of Poles disagree with the approbation of the new crops, Szyszko said, citing opinion polls. Some EU members, including Austria, refuse to allow the crops to be planted, ignoring approvals for several strains by EU regulators since a ban expired in 2004 and a World Trade Organization ruling last year.

Polish food processing industry strongly criticizes the government’s decision, arguing that the ban on genetically modified foods is a serious mistake, for which Poland will pay for in the future.

Source:freshplaza.com