Anja Arndt, Member of the European Parliament for the ESN Group, said:
“This is a good day for our citizens and our farmers. A majority in Parliament has chosen safety and transparency over GM maize. We do not want genetic engineering on our plates or in our barns. The long-term effects of genetically modified food crops on humans, animals, and ecosystems have not been sufficiently researched.
Precaution, not a test laboratory—that is our principle. Products that rely on herbicide resistance and heavy chemical use do not fit our European standards.
By saying no, we are protecting our farmers from dependence on patented seeds and crop-protection chemicals from global agribusiness corporations. We want to preserve our local varieties and seed diversity, and protect consumers from unclear risks.
An important victory for healthy food, fair agriculture, and responsible policymaking in Europe.”