The Italian region of Piedmont ordered the destruction of 381 hectares of maize fields on Friday because they were believed to contain genetically modified material.

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“The President of Piedmont region, Enzo Ghigo, has ordered the destruction of 381 hectares (941 acres) of genetically modified maize in the region,” spokesman Massimo Tesio told Reuters.


Tesio added that the order would be published on Saturday and executed no more than five days later.


Planting GM crops in open fields is banned under Italian law, as part of its so-called “zero tolerance” policy.


The Piedmont authorities did not give details as to how the contamination had occurred. Farmers on whose land the GM crops were growing are reportedly not being held responsible and are expected to be compensated by the regional government.

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The maize fields were found to contain GM material during a recent routine inspection.


The Piedmont region is a major maize-growing area, where harvesting is due to start in a few weeks’ time.

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