Playing the long game for GM crops in Europe

Is Europe a no-go zone for GM crops? Those are genetically modified crops, also called genetically engineered (GE) crops or biotech crops. Whether we’re a no-go zone for GM depends on whether you look at the short game or the long game.

We mostly don’t grow GM crops here in Europe but we benefit from them here. Perhaps we’re crying NIMBY. Not In My Back Yard.

Here’s how the short game looks. The US biotechnology giant, Monsanto, is no longer trying to get new GM crop approvals in Europe. It’s just keeping on with its insect-resistant GM maize (corn) called MON810. The German chemical giant, BASF, is no longer aiming for commercial success with its stodgy-starched GM potato called Amflora.

Charlie Dunmore at Planet Ark tells us that Monsanto will soon withdraw its requests to the European Union (EU) to approve new GM crops. ‘Monsanto Co said…