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Brussels, 19 May 2006

On 9 March 2006, the Commission adopted a report on the implementation of national measures on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming. The main conclusion of the report is that the development of EU-wide legislation on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming does not appear justified at this time, in view of the EU’s limited experience with the cultivation of GM crops and the need to conclude the process of introducing national measures. However, before any decision is taken, the Commission will engage in an in-depth consultative process with stakeholders.

Co-existence measures are the subject of a Commission Recommendation from July 2003. They are designed to ensure that GM crops can be grown along with non-GM crops without negative economic consequences caused by accidental mixing of the two.

A conference in Vienna on 5-6 April, gathering European politicians, senior civil servants and leading experts from the worlds of academia, commerce and NGOs discussed future policies on the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic agriculture. The conference is part of the Commission’s consultations with interested parties on the development of efficient and cost-effective strategies to ensure co-existence

The Commission recommendation and report, conclusions of the Vienna conference as well as further information on co-existence are available on the internet at:

The Council will adopt Conclusions on this subject.

Item source: Date: 19/05/2006