New EU gene-crop approvals at least a year away

The EU's informal moratorium on new approvals of genetically modified crops and foods will remain in place for at least another year, following the entry into force yesterday of new authorisation rules. Sceptical member states restated that extra traceability and labelling provisions must also be in place first.

Meeting in Luxembourg yesterday, environment ministers had a short debate on the draft traceability and labelling rules. The main issues are, however, being decided through the agriculture council (EED 15/10/02).