The area planted with genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe has grown by 77% since last year, according to new data released yesterday. This news comes days after the European Union authorized imports of four new GM crops, which is the first decision of its kind in nearly a decade. European countries have traditionally employed the precautionary principle and resisted growing and importing genetically modified organisms. It remains uncertain what these recent trends will mean for the future of biotech crops in Europe.
America and Asia Dominate GM Agriculture
Concerned about potential environmental and human health impacts, European consumers, politicians and farmers have largely resisted the global biotech frenzy, which has resulted in the double-digit growth of GM crop area worldwide every year since 1996. As of 2006, over one million square kilometers of farmland were under GM crops in 22 countries. The United States overwhelmingly leads the sector with GM cultivations accounting for 90% of its soy and cotton production and over 70% of its corn production.
GM Crop Area by Country, 2006
Source: EarthTrends, 2007 using data from ISAAA, 2006
GM Crops Remain Controversial Despite Growth
Europe's recent 77% growth brings its GM crop area to only 1,000 square kilometers found almost exclusively in Spain, where a pest-resistant variety of maize is cultivated for animal feed, not human consumption. This figure remains miniscule compared to GM area worldwide and also with respect to European agriculture as a whole. Yet many are eager to greet this trend as a sign that GM agriculture has a future in Europe afterall. The biotech industry in particular believes that this proves the safety and desirability of its products to European farmers.
Others are more skeptical. European consumers on the whole remain concerned about the health and environmental consequences of biotech crops, and the four GM varieties recently approved for import will be subject to the EU's strict labeling and traceability laws. Many desire additional scientific research to address the numerous biosafety concerns voiced by scientists and environmental organizations. Just last week, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that he would suspend the planting of GM crops in France pending an appraisal of the issue later this year or in early 2008.
For more information about the potential environmental and health hazards of GM plants, check out these resources from Friends of the Earth.
*Above photo by jams_123 via Flickr
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