EU votes against state bans: Autonomy on GM feed vetoed

THE European Parliament’s Environment and Public Health Committee yesterday voted against proposals that would allow EU member states to control genetically modified (GM) food or feed in their country. 

This is a setback for European Commission plans to legislate for GM crops. It is, however, or at least it seems to be, a victory for the industrial farming and food lobby. Also, like many public policy decisions taken at national level or above, the heavy shadow of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) looms.

This is a divisive issue and, though the commercial cultivation of GM crops does not take place in Ireland, the Irish Farmers’ Association has said it supports biotechnology that has proven to be scientifically sound.