Double GM soy enters Europe
European Biotechnology Network- the European Commission has authorized the import of Monsanto’s soy which bears additional genes for herbicide and insecticide tolerance.
Just a few days after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had approved …
European Biotechnology Network- the European Commission has authorized the import of Monsanto’s soy which bears additional genes for herbicide and insecticide tolerance.
Just a few days after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had approved the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) soy on European soils, the European Commission agreed on another soy matter. On 27 June, without public communication, the Commission authorized Monsanto Company’s genetically engineered soy Intacta RR2 Pro for import to the European Union. These soy plants harbor a combination of gene constructs that convey both tolerance for herbicides and resistance to insects. More specifically, Intacta is a combination of soys MON87701 and MON89788 which produce an insecticidal Bt protein and is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate, respectively. It is the first time in the EU that gm-soy with stacked gene constructs has been allowed for usage in food and feed. On 6 July the Brazilian Association of Seeds and Seedlings (ABRASEM) issued a statement „celebrating the opening of new doors to varieties of high technology seeds. “ Brazil is the main beneficiary of the authorization as Monsanto’s soy is grown and harvested there. Europe is the second main destination of Brazilian soy exports, with China leading the chart. However, Intacta is not yet approved by China so that the European decision could very well be interpreted as trend-setting.