|
answer text |
<p>Regulatory decisions on the use of genetically modified (GM) products are taken
collectively at EU level. The EU has authorised the marketing of over forty different
types of GM crop as imported food or feed products, and GM soya in particular is being
widely used in the UK and across the EU as an animal feed ingredient. However only
one type of GM crop is approved for commercial planting in the EU, an insect-resistant
maize of no practical interest for UK farmers. That authorisation was granted in 1998,
since when the EU has struggled to reach decisions on GM cultivation because of different
views among the Member States. A proposal is being discussed that should make it easier
to reach EU decisions, by giving Member States more national discretion to avoid GM
cultivation in their own territory. The European Parliament is now considering the
proposal and it could be adopted next year if the Parliament and Council can reach
agreement on the specific provisions.</p><p> </p>
|
|