Portugal establishes "first" genetically modified maize-free zone

Date:01-07-2008

Portugal has established a genetically modified maize-free area. The Ministry of Agriculture claims that the zone in Lagos is the first of its kind in Europe. Other member states have established such areas, but Portugal is the only country to use national legislation that is supported by the European Commission. The regional government requested the move after it polled its farmers. There was no opposition. Farmers in Lagos produce mostly citrus fruit, so the move is largely symbolic, the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service says. The country's GM maize area tripled last year to over 4,000 ha.