Implementation of national measures on the coexistence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming
The second report from the European Commission on the coexistence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming, published on April 2, 2009. 15 Members States have adopted legislation on coexistence, 11 more than in 2006 when the first coexistence report was published. Another 3 Member States have notified draft legislation to the Commission.
The European Commission published a report on the coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic agriculture, outlining the activities undertaken in response to the Council's request and providing an update of the state of implementation of national coexistence measures. Coexistence refers to the choice of consumers and farmers between conventional, organic and GM crop production, in compliance with the legal obligations for labelling defined in Community legislation. The possibility of adventitious presence of GM crops in non-GM crops cannot be excluded. Therefore, suitable measures are needed during cultivation, harvest, transport, storage and processing to ensure coexistence.