GM Maize Trials Approved in Germany
The federal seeds agency Bundessortenamt (BSA) in Germany has issued licences for the experimental planting of 55 tonnes of genetically
modified maize this year. Commercial production of GM crops is still not allowed but trial licences are being approved. The BSA is an
independent senior federal authority under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture. It is
responsible for granting of Plant Breeders' Rights, the registration of varieties in the National List and for variety and seed affairs. Greenpeace
has complained that if GM maize is planted in unmarked fields, it could "contaminate" nearby crops, which could then be sold as food or
animal feed.
Contact: Bundessortenamt, Osterfelddamm 80, 30627 Hannover, Germany.
URL: http://www.bundessortenamt.de
