MEPs do not want to authorise the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean, maize, and cotton. Parliament calls on the Commission not to authorise these products due to the lack of sufficient evidence on long-term impacts on biodiversity, food safety, farmers’ livelihoods and animal health.
On Wednesday, February 11, MEPs voted four times on European Commission’s proposals concerning the entry of genetically modified agricultural products onto the EU market. These include soybean, maize, and cotton. Results were crystal clear in all cases, with 462 (463) votes in favor (of rejection of Commission’s draft), 164 (169) against and a few abstentions.
“Not consistent with commitments”
The Parliament’s Motion for a Resolution cites inadequate risk assessments, genetically modified crops’ tolerance to herbicides, and potential adverse effects on biodiversity, soil health, pollinators and non-target organisms.
The text highlights that authorising the import for food, feed or products of any genetically modified plant which has been made tolerant to herbicides that are banned in the Union, such as glufosinate, is inconsistent with the Union’s international commitments.
Competitive disadvantage
The text stresses that the draft Commission implementing decision would allow imports into the Union that do not comply with the standards observed by Union farmers, thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage. MEPs also call on the Commission to reassess its approach on market access for agri-food imports and exports, given the challenge of diverging standards of the Union and its trading partners.
Commission’s proposal would place EU farmers at a competitive disadvantage. – Parliament’s Motion for a Resolution on genetically modified products
Parliament calls on the Commission to submit, without delay, a legislative proposal to reform the decision-making procedure on genetically modified products. It cites “consistent objections of Parliament and the lack of qualified majority support among member states”.
