Few GM crop tests in Europe

2003/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Bioteknologia
• Nekazaritza

There are more and more transgenic plants in the world. In the European Union, however, field testing of genetically modified plants has declined by around 80% since 1998. According to the researchers, the moratorium on GMOs has had a great influence on the decline. In fact, although community legislation does not prohibit the planting of GM crops, in recent years very few authorizations have been granted.

Another reason is the attitude of consumers, who do not accept transgenic plants. Therefore, only large companies risk testing. Thus, of all the tests carried out, 65% are in the hands of these large companies and only 6% are performed by medium or small companies, the rest are public entities.

However, experts believe that from now on field testing will intensify, especially plants with insect resistance or disease or herbicide tolerance. Plants with lower risk of allergies or substances to be healthier will not develop until the next decade.