The development of EU-wide legislation on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming “does not appear justified at this time”, according to the European Commission.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


A report by the EC has come to this conclusion from its “limited experience with the cultivation of GM crops and the need to conclude the process of introducing national measures,” it said.


Before any final decision is taken, the Commission will engage in an in-depth consultative process with stakeholders. It said it will look to a conference in Vienna on 5-6 April for such a discussion.


At present, co-existence measures are the subject of a Commission Recommendation from July 2003. They are designed to ensure that GM crops can be grown along with non-GM crops without negative economic consequences caused by accidental mixing of the two.


The Commission said it proposes to work jointly with the Member States and stakeholders on the development of recommendations for crop-specific technical segregation measures.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The development of efficient and cost-effective strategies to ensure co-existence is vital to ensure a practical choice between GM and non-GM produce for farmers and consumers,” said Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development.


“This is not a question of health or environmental protection, because no GMOs are allowed on the EU market unless they have been proved to be completely safe. To ensure that consumers know exactly what they are buying the EU has developed an advanced labelling and traceability system for GMOs. Segregation measures must be in place to ensure that accidental traces of GMOs in conventional or organic products are kept within the strict ranges defined by EU legislation. Growing conditions are very varied from country to country and experience with GM crops is still limited in Europe. It therefore does not seem appropriate to propose unified EU rules at this time.”