A threatened halt in deliveries of GMO-free maize from Hungary to the


European food processing industry has been averted. Hungary had blocked


exports of maize from the beginning of November, claiming a poor harvest.


The European Commission rejected this argument, saying Hungary had an


exportable surplus and was legally bound to continue deliveries. Brussels


said it would block a wine and spirits agreement with Hungary unless the ban


was lifted. A solution has now been found which will “ensure that EU maize


processors will be treated in a fair way and that existing contracts will be


honoured,” said the EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler.


By Alan Osborn, just-food.com correspondent