WRITTEN QUESTION E-1027/98 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (6 April 1998)

Subject: Effects of the release and cultivation of genetically manipulated plants on bee-keeping

1. Is the Commission aware that the release and cultivation of genetically manipulated plants have effects on bee-keeping?

2. Is it aware of the data from France proving that, as a result of the cultivation of insect-resistant, plants bees lose their sense of smell for wild blossom within 15 days and they die earlier?

3. What conclusions does it draw from this fact?

4. Is it aware that the pollen emitted by genetically manipulated plants causes cross-breeding?

5. Is it aware that honey consists of 1% pollen and hence honey is unintentionally being produced with genetically modified ingredients?

6. Does it realize that these genetic modifications can be proved and come under the novel foods regulation?

7. Since bee-keepers have no influence over this contamination where genetically modified plants are released, how is this matter then to be regulated?

8. Does the Commission agree that the large-scale cultivation of genetically manipulated plants means that it is no longer possible for bee-keepers to supply honey that has not been genetically engineered?

9. Is it aware that this also runs counter to the proposal for a regulation contained in COM(97)747 which can de facto no longer be applied since an unintentional genetic contamination can no longer be ruled out?

10. Does it appreciate that this entails removal expenses for bee-keepers who are not prepared to accept the 'forced' genetic modification of their honey? What financial compensation is contemplated?

11. Is it aware of the difficulty of the situation in which the bee-keeping industry finds itself when wanting to satisfy the desire of consumers for products free from genetic engineering (80% of those surveyed were against genetically modified products) and that bee-keepers are faced with a hopeless situation since they can no longer provide any kind of guarantee of their products being free from genetic engineering? What conclusions does it draw from this?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (8 June 1998)

The Commission is aware of recent studies on potential impacts on bees of cultivation of certain genetically modified plants. Indeed, impacts on insects of cultivation of genetically modified plants is the subject of continuous research. The Biotechnology programme (1994-1998) ((OJ L 361, 31.12.1994. )) has financed a project concerning the environmental impact of transgenic plants on beneficial insects, initiated in 1996, which further develops tests to determine whether the presence of recombinant protein has an impact on bees. Detailed information concerning this project can be made available to the Honourable Member if required.

The risk assessment provided in Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )) takes into account all potential negative effects on the environment. If new information should become available with regard to the risks of an approved GMO, Article 11(6) of Directive 90/220/EEC requires the notifier to inform the Member State where the GMO is placed on the market for the first time and take the measures necessary to protect human health and the environment. Article 16 of the Directive allows a Member State to restrict or prohibit the use and sale of an approved GMO if the Member State has reasons to consider that the GMO in question constitutes a risk to human health or the environment. The Commission has received no indications from notifiers or Member States relating to possible negative effects on bees from approved GMOs.

On the basis of information currently available, the Commission considers that honey, unintentionally containing pollen transferred by bees from genetically modified crops does not constitute a novel food within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients ((OJ L 43, 14.2.1997. )).

The Commission presented on 26 July 1996 a proposal for a Council regulation ((OJ C 293, 5.10.1996. )), supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs ((OJ L 198, 22.7.1991. )). In this proposal, the Commission provides for specific measures concerning organic bee-keeping, in particular by foreseeing that Member States designate regions or zones for organic bee-keeping which comply with the crop requirements set out in Annex I (organic farming areas and natural areas) of the Regulation. Moreover, on 9 January 1998, the Commission presented an amended proposal to introduce, in Article 6, the general prohibition on use in organic production of genetically modified organisms and products derived thereof ((OJ C 61, 26.2.1998. )). The proposal is currently under examination by the Council. In this context, questions relating to implementing provisions are also being examined.