WRITTEN QUESTION E-2292/96 by Martina Gredler (ELDR) to the Commission (27 August 1996)

Subject:Genetic engineering and agrochemicals

The use of genetic engineering in agriculture creates greater resistance to pesticides, and thus leads to an increased use of plant protection products.

What does the Commission consider to be the advantages of the increased resistance of genetically modified foodstuffs to agrochemicals? Does it lead to greater use of agrochemicals? If so, which chemicals are involved and on what scale? What is the situation as regards genetically modified maize?

What effects would the increased use of herbicides and pesticides have on insects? Can a change in species diversity be assumed? If so, what?

With regard to the release of genetically modified maize, are there detailed studies covering this area?

Can a Member State prohibit the release of a genetically modified organism within its territory on the basis of Article 16 of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, p. 15. ))?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1996)

The impact of modern biotechnology on agriculture is very complex and depends on a large number of factors. Advantages of this technique have already been outlined by the Commission reply to Written Question E-15/96 of the Honourable Member ((OJ C 183, 24.6.1996. )).

Thus the use of genetically modified resistant crop plants will not necessarily lead to an increase or decrease of resistance of weeds or pests to plant protection products and to an increase of the use of those products.

According to Directive 91/414/EEC ((OJ L 230, 19.8.1991. )) applicants notifying for authorization of a plant protection product have to provide a management strategy designed to minimize the likelihood of resistance development, whenever there is evidence or information to suggest that in commercial use such a development of resistance is likely.

Although the introduction of resistant crop plants - genetically modified or traditionally bred - is likely to lead to a change in the pattern of the use of plant protection products, however, this does not imply an overall increased use of those products, provided that an adequate range of alternative safe and effective plant protection products is available to be used in any particular crop situation. On the contrary, resistant crop plants could even lead to reduced use of herbicides or pesticides by replacing less effective treatment programmes to control weeds or pests.

The impact of plant protection products on insects and on biodiversity depends on the characteristics of the product and will be evaluated case by case according to the requirements of Directive 91/414/EEC.

According to Article 16 of Directive 90/220/EEC a Member State may provisionally restrict or prohibit the use or sale of a product containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms, if it has justifiable reasons to consider that such a product constitutes a risk to human health or the environment. The Member State shall immediately inform the other Member States and the Commission and a decision on the matter shall be taken within three months by the regulatory committee in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 21 of Directive 90/220/EEC.