Italy bans cultivation of GMO corn seed made by Monsanto, citing environmental concerns

Nevin Barich

Nevin Barich

ROME , July 12, 2013 () – Italy on Friday banned the cultivation of a genetically modified (GM) corn seed made by US company Monsanto, citing environmental concerns.

The Agriculture Ministry said Italian and European scientific studies had found that the insect-resistant MON810 seed could harm biodiversity, possibly posing a threat to "aquatic organisms."

Farming lobby Coldiretti backed the government decision, noting that a poll it commissioned in June showed that 76 per cent of Italians oppose GM crops.

Several other European countries - including France, Germany and Poland - have prohibited MON810, even though such national bans are controversial, since the European Union has yet to decide whether to renew an existing authorization for the seed.

© 2013 dpa

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