GRAIN | Resources | Croatia burns GM seed crop

Croatia burns GM seed crop

AGROW - World Crop Protection News

22 July 2004

The Croatian Minister of Agriculture ordered the destruction of almost 2,000 ha of a maize seed crop after a small amount of genetically modified material was found in the crop. The maize was grown from a single imported hybrid, PR34G13, by Pioneer Hi-Bred International's local operation, Pioneer Croatia. The maize was burnt by the Ministry after a European laboratory found the crops contained 0.5-0.7% of GM material, says Agrow's local correspondent.

Under Croatian law, the accidental presence of GM material is permitted up to the standard European threshold of 0.9%. However, for crops grown for seed production there is no provision for the presence of GMO material. "It is illogical not to have a similar threshold for seeds," says Pioneer.

All maize seed sold by Pioneer in Croatia is produced without the use of molecular technology, and "has been thoroughly tested according to strict internationally recognised standards", the company says. The European Commission acknowledges that in an open environment, such as with seed production, it is impossible to ensure 100% purity, the company points out.

Farmers losing their crops as a result of this action will be reimbursed from the government, which will later seek compensation from the seed importer and distributors. Local reports speculate that farmers could receive up to Euro 1,000/ha.

Pioneer has been working in Croatia for ten years and says it will seek to work with the government to ensure that future rules relating to seed purity are "workable".