French President Nicolas Sarkozy has today (8 January) indicated he may ban GM crops if the country’s scientists cannot confirm their safety.

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A panel of French scientists are due issue a report on GM crops as the country’s politicians consider new legislation on the sector.


However, Sarkozy said that if the panel “raises serious doubts about GM crops now being cultivated in France”, he is “willing to resort to the safeguard clause”. Under EU legislation, member states can ban GM crops.


In October, Sarkozy called a halt to the planting of GM pest-resistant crops.


Around only 1.5% of France’s cultivated maize land – equating to 22,000 hectares – has been sown with GM maize this year.

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