Press Release: EU Commission caves in to biotech industry, Monsanto GM maize authorised

The European Commission authorised on 13 January 2006 the placing on the market of three genetically modified maize lines. Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth say the decision ignores the environmental and health concerns of Member States and comes despite studies showing that farmers in the US and elsewhere are not seeing the reduced pesticide use and higher profits promised by the biotechnology industry.