New research proves that co-existenceof GM and non GM maize crops is NOT a problem

02-Dec-2004

Co-existence of GM and non GM maize crops can be successfully delivered by applying a few simple measures according to a report published on 1 December 2004.

The report was published just as the European Commission failed to come to a decision on whether national bans on a number of authorised GMOs currently in place in five EU member states should be lifted, and as a number of member states have put forward their rules for co-existence.

According to one of the authors of the report Graham Brookes: 'The evidence is clear cut and consistent - all you need for co-existence of GM and non GM maize is four buffer rows or several metres separation distance between crops. This contrasts with impractical and disproportionate maize co-existence rules being put forward in some member states'

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The report reviewed the commercial experience of farmers who grow GM maize in Spain and summarised the findings of a number of co-existence research studies in Europe and other countries.

In addition, the following key findings are reported: · GM-specific co-existence research in Spain and France shows that by applying good farming practices and normal harvesting practices alone (i.e. without the formal application of co-existence measures) the 99.1% purity threshold set by the 2004 EU labelling legislation can be achieved.

· By applying additional specific co-existence measures in isolation or in combination the probability of GM adventitious presence being found in a non GM maize crop (grown in close proximity) is reduced further.

· Experience from Spain shows that the application of four buffer rows of non GM maize between a GM crop (on the GM growing farm) and a non GM crop (on an adjacent farm in plots of under 1 hectare) as a single measure has delivered effective co-existence.

· A separation distance of 6 metres is also effective. Application of a greater separation distance (e.g. 10-12 metres identified in the French co-existence research) offers additional provision for worst case scenarios and reduces further the probability of GM adventitious presence occurring to minute levels.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/41285/new-research-proves-that-co-existenceof-gm-and-non-gm-maize-crops-is-not-a-problem.html