Agricultural Minister József Gráf said Hungary can not maintain a ban
on genetically modified (GM) crops but caution is necessary regarding its
scientific effects. He was speaking at a conference hosted by the Hungarian
Academy of Sciences.
Gráf said the agricultural community, society and the government are
all divided over the issue. New technology cannot be shut out completely,
but any loosening of the law requires safety questions being proven
absolutely, he added.


Hungary, one of Europe's main seed producers, has passed strict laws
that prescribe buffer zones between GM and conventional crops. Farmers also
need the approval of neighbouring landowners and users to plant GM crops.


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