The European Commission decided Tuesday to authorize a Polish ban on the use of 16 varieties of genetically modified maize and around 700 varieties of non-GM maize, throughout the whole country.
The seeds are approved for marketing in any member state. A state can request to prohibit the use of a variety if it is not suitable for cultivation in any part of its territory.
In the case of both the GM and non-GM maize varieties in question, the "maize varieties are characterized by a long growing cycle and, under Polish climatic conditions, will not reach the necessary ripeness required at the harvesting stage," a statement from the Commission states.
Member States experts voted unanimously in favor of the decision to allow Poland to ban the use of these varieties. Following the decision, Poland may implement the ban immediately and it will remain in place for an unlimited period of time.
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