The European Commission has this week outlined a new flexible approach to GM cultivation which puts the ball back in the court of individual member states to decide on GMO cultivation in their territory.

While keeping unchanged the EU's science-based GM authorisation system, the Commission is proposing EU member states are given the freedom to allow, restrict or ban the cultivation of genetically modified organisms on part or all of their territory.

Health and consumer policy commissioner, John Dalli said: "In March, the Commission promised to present a comprehensive proposal on our future policy vis-a-vis GM cultivation by the end of the summer. Today we deliver on that promise. The concrete measures adopted will allow member states the freedom to decide on GMO cultivation. Experience with GMOs so far shows that member states need more flexibility to organise the co-existence of GM and other types of crops such as conventional and organic crops."

The Commissioner added: "Granting genuine freedom on grounds other than those based on a scientific assessment of health and environmental risks also necessitates a change to the current legislation. I stress that, the EU-wide authorisation system, based on solid science, remains fully in place."

With the new freedom given to member states to decide on cultivation, the Commission states it is sending out a strong message that it takes into account concerns of member states and their citizens which vary from country to country, but it could also be argued that it is passing this hot potato back to individual nations.

This new legislative proposal will be adopted through co-decision with the European Parliament and the European Council.

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