EU environment chief opposes two GMO maizes

By Jeff Mason

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's environment chief is proposing that two types of genetically modified (GMO) maize not be authorized for cultivation in the bloc, setting up a clash within the 27-member EU executive body.

The maize types in question are Syngenta's Bt-11 and the 1507 maize developed jointly by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of DuPont Co, and Dow AgroSciences unit Mycogen Seeds, according to documents seen by Reuters on Thursday.

But the other members of the European Commission oppose the position of Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, sources familiar with the situation said, implying the rejection may not take effect.

One EU source said all 26 other members of the EU executive body were against Dimas' proposal.

Dimas's draft decisions cite too much uncertainty that growing the crops would hurt the environment.

"The possible existence of delayed or long-term effects on the environment and biodiversity which may not be observed during the period of the release of the GMO but become apparent at a later stage are still unknown," the draft document laying out a decision on Pioneer's 1507 maize said.

"It is assessed that the degree of uncertainty attached to the results of the evaluation of the available scientific information is high, and that ... the level of risk generated by the cultivation of this product for the environment is unacceptable."

"TOXIC"