The European Parliament today adopted a report which allows Member States to ban or restrict the use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) on environmental and agricultural grounds (eg. pesticide resistance, the invasiveness of certain crops and threat to biodiversity).

The final report drafted by ALDE MEP Corinne Lepage (CAP 21, France), maintains a common EU authorisation framework of rules that will apply to all Member States seeking more legal certainty when exercising their freedom to decide on GMO crop cultivation.

It means that Member States may adopt measures restricting or prohibiting the cultivation of GMOs on their territory in accordance with EU legislation.

The report makes the following conclusions: 
• that Member States be able to use grounds relating to environmental impact which are complementary to EU scientific assessments,
• that Member States could use the flexibility at local or regional level to restrict GMOs cultivation,
(in case of lack or incomplete data),
• that Member States have the right to protect agricultural practices on  socio-economic grounds and grounds relating to land use,  
• that any measures by Member States taken will be under EU rules, based on a case-by-case examination of the GMOs with relevant public consultation,
• that Member States have to make their decision public in order to ensure transparency and legal certainty also for farmers,

Corinne Lepage said:  "I am pleased that the Parliament has finally managed to reach an agreement on such a delicate issue as GMOs, which has generated much heated debate amongst members of the public for years. If the Council agrees to a common position, this balanced agreement will allow States and regions not to proceed with GMO crop cultivation on duly justified grounds."