Hungarian minister alludes to lifting ban on GM crops
The Hungarian Agricultural Minister, József Gráf, called for a ban on genetically modified crops to be lifted at a conference hosted by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He also admitted that they must proceed with caution, however. According to the article below, Hungary requires a buffer zone between GM and conventional crops, as well as permission from neighboring farmers to plant GM crops right now.
C.S. Prakash
Hungarian minister alludes to lifting ban on GM crops
Check Biotech
March 7, 2008
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.
