The Soil Association is urging the government to reject revisions to the EU organic regulation, which would allow a 0.9 per cent GM threshold on all organic crops.
The revision, being pushed by the Finnish Presidency of the European Union, threatens to undermine public confidence in the burgeoning organic food and farming sector, the SA claimed.
Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, said: “We are dismayed at the pressure to reach a ‘general decision’ on the proposal for a revision of Regulation 2092/91 at December’s Council meeting.
“We will ensure that organic food that meets Soil Association organic standards remains GM-free, tested to the lowest reliable level of 0.1 per cent GM. Far from being the achievement the Finnish Presidency wants, the regulation as it is would stand in the way of ensuring a dynamic, innovative and expanding organic sector.”
The EU Agriculture Council is discussing the draft this week.
