Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Germany Bans GMO

Germany bans farming of genetically modified corn
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 1:29 PM ET

Genetically modified corn can no longer be grown commercially in Germany.

German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner announced Tuesday that the government is banning the cultivation of MON 810 maize. That strain of corn is the only genetically modified crop that Germany had allowed to be cultivated in the country.

Aigner said she has concluded the crop poses a danger to the environment.

The change in rules means that MON 810 may not be sown in Germany this upcoming growing season.

Germany had allowed the strain's cultivation since 2005.

MON 810, also known as YieldGuard Corn Borer, is a strain of corn extremely resistant to European and southwestern corn borers, caterpillars that eat and damage corn plants before becoming adult moths. Read More

I have mentioned several times on my blog how the European Union’s policies have negatively affected their ability to feed their citizens. In the 1970’s the countries in what is now the EU could feed their population. Now they are only able to produce about 60% of the food needed. Mostly it is due to the extreme regulations that have been enacted, which consider the need to grow food behind a laundry list of other things. Genetically modified plants are the result of a sped-up process of plant breeding which humans have been doing for thousands of years. They claim to be worried about the long term impact on human health. What is the impact on human health if there isn’t enough to eat?

No comments: