Monsanto gives up on new GM crops in EU [View all]

[The Straight Story]

Monsanto gives up on new GM crops in EU

Faced with widespread concerns in Europe over its genetically modified foods, US agro-chemicals giant Monsanto said Thursday it was giving up on plans to grow new GM crops in the EU, which has held up approval for years.

"We will no longer be pursuing approvals for cultivation of new biotech crops in Europe," Monsanto said, adding that it would now focus on its conventional seeds business.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said it "took note of the decision" by Monsanto which produces a whole stable of GM crops and in wide use in the United States and elsewhere.

In Europe, however, suspicion about the use of GM food products is widespread, with many fearing their use is a health hazard.

Monsanto insists such fears are groundless and that GM products are essential if growing global demand for food is to be met.

The EU currently allows only two GM products to be grown in the 28-member bloc -- Monsanto's MON 810 maize and German conglomerate BASF's Amflora potato.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/360488/monsanto-gives-up-on-new-gm-crops-in-eu