July 25, 2013
Monsanto exit could lead to Europe becoming a scientific hinterland
European researchers have expressed concern but little surprise over Monsanto''s decision to cease trials on new genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe.
The agriculture giant sells over €9 billion (US$11.9 billion) seeds annually, with over 50% of the total accounted for by GM varieties.
Monsanto''s Irish director, Patrick O''Reilly, said that its decision reflects the current anti-GM atmosphere in Europe and the company would not attempt to trial GM crops in the EU "until there was a climate of interest in the technology".
"It''s the total opposite everywhere else, where biotech continues to get bigger and bigger," he added.
As anti-GM campaigners hailed the announcement as a victory to keep bio-technology out of the European food-chain, advocates warned that, while the rest of the world increasingly adopts GM technology, Europe risks becoming a scientific hinterland.
Despite a clear regulatory path, the approval of GM-crops has ground to a halt in Europe. Although only three GM crops have been authorised by the the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a further eight have been deemed safe to use. However, due to political unrest and bans in some member states, the European Commission has not moved forward with any.
Many researchers are increasingly working in more accepting countries in Africa, Latin America and the Far East. Denis Murphy, a plant biotechnologist at the University of South Wales said, "I do a lot of my work now overseas. I''ve almost given up on Europe."