In France a large scale, four month forum on environmental issues
organised by the French government is aimed at defining national
environmental policies on future regulations of GM crops.
It is very likely that the so-called "Grenelle de l?environnement",
could change French agricultural policy.

A working group on GMOs has suggested new legislation oriented towards
transparency and towards the freedom of choice for farmers and for
consumers.

Such laws also would regulate coexistence more strictly and enact the
?causer? principle, under which users of GMOs retain ultimate responsibility
for the control of their crops.

Uproar among farmers

Announcements of environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo considering
even a ban on the usage of GM seeds had caused an outrage among farmers?,
seed producers? and grain processors? organisations. Yet, after their
protests, this issue does not appear in the final working group proposals.

Further suggestions by the working group include increased research on
biotechnology and its effects, as well as the establishment of an
independent national advisory body.

French veto

New agricultural policies may exert influence even beyond French
borders. French representatives to the Council of Ministers abstained from
voting on the EU import approval of three GM maize lines in September, and
French veto could hinder current negotiations on the extension of approval
for MON810 maize.

MON810 is the only GM maize approved to date for cultivation in the
EU.

During October, public consultations will take place in 15 cities
throughout France and on the internet.

President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to announce by the end of
October the government?s conclusions on national positions and
administrative plans regarding biotechnology.

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