Italy on Thursday notified the European Commission of its request to ban cultivation in Italy of genetically modified crops (GMOs) authorised by the EU. The note was signed by Farm Minister Maurizio Martina, Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti and Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin.
Earlier this year the EC approved 19 genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for trade within the EU - most of them destined for animal feed, and two ornamental flowers.
The Commission said it was assessing proposed legislation allowing member countries to retain the option of limiting or banning the GMOs even if they are EU-approved.
The EU has already approved 58 GMOs - including beetroots, corn, cotton, soy, and rapeseed - with 17 applications still pending after they were approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The EU imports significant quantities of biotech feed, but few food products.
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