WRITTEN QUESTION E-0648/00

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 2000)

Subject: Genetically modified seeds

Would the Commission clarify what exactly is being communicated to Member States regarding the inclusion of (a) 98/294/CE Elgira Monsanto Bt Maize, (b) 97/98/CE Compa CB Novartis Bt/Ht maize, (c) 97/98/CE Jordi CB Novartis Bt/Ht maize and (d) 98/293/CE Chardonell Aventis Ht maize GM seeds in the EU Common Catalogue?

Would the Commission confirm whether marketing consent has been given for (a) 97/98/CE Chardonell Aventis herbicide tolerant maize, (b) 97/98/CE Compa CB Novartis Bt/ herbicide tolerant maize, (c) 97/98/CE Jordi CB Novartis Bt/Ht maize and (d) 98/293/CE Chardonell Aventis Ht maize, on which national seed lists these seeds are currently included and if any are subject to field trials in any Member State?

Would the Commission clarify whether it supports the inclusion of 98/294/CE Elgira Monsanto Bt Maize, 97/98/CE Compa CB Novartis Bt/Ht maize, 97/98/CE Jordi CB Novartis Bt/Ht maize and 98/293/CE Chardonell Aventis Ht maize GM seeds in the EU Common Catalogue and when a decision is expected on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2000)

The current status of the specific genetically modified maize varieties the Honourable Member mentions is as follows.

The marketing of seeds of genetically modified varieties of agricultural plant species including maize is currently subject to authorization under two different pieces of Community legislation: the authorisation for placing on the market transformation events/products, pursuant to Council Directive 90/220/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms(1), aiming to protect human health and the environment, and the provisions of Council Directive 70/457/EEC of 29 September 1970 on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species(2) aiming at compliance with a set of agricultural criteria.

The following consents under Directive 90/220/EEC for placing on the market of the genetically modified parental material have been given: the varieties Compa CB and Jordi CB, by Commisison Decision 97/98/EC (Novartis Bt-176 maize line), the variety Chardon LL, by Commission Decision 98/293/EC (AgrEvo T25 maize line), and the variety Elgina by Commission Decision 98/294/EC (Monsanto 810 maize line).

On that basis, three Member States (Spain and Portugal for Compa CB; Spain for Jordi CB; Netherlands for Chardon LL and Portugal for Elgina) have notified to the Commission the acceptance of these varieties in their national catalogues in accordance with the provisions of Directive 70/457/EEC for marketing of seeds within their respective territories. Under the acceptance procedures carried out by the three Member States concerned, material of these varieties has been subjected to field trials.

The free marketing of such seeds throughout the Community would require, under the same Directive, the inclusion of the four varieties in the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species.

However, the initial acceptance of the varieties Compa CB and Elgina in the Portuguese national catalogue was suspended by a decision of the ministry of Agriculture of Portugal dated 27 December 1999. As a consequence the variety Elgina is currently no longer eligible either for inclusion in the common catalogue or for marketing in the Community. This does not apply to the variety Compa CB, because of its acceptance by Spain.

At present, discussions with Member States are going on, in order to provide a coherent solution in respect of all aspects relating to the marketing of GMO products. Therefore, the Commission has at this stage not completed the examination of the qualification of the remaining three varieties for inclusion in the common catalogue. The standing committee on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, horticulture and forestry has been informed accordingly.

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990.

(2) OJ L 225, 12.10.1970.