French Farmers Challenge Government Ban on GM Maize Cultivation

French maize growers and seed companies have reportedly brought an appeal before the nation’s highest court seeking to overturn the French government’s temporary moratorium on a strain of genetically modified (GM) maize. The government action was taken in response to the court’s decision to annul a previous moratorium after finding that it lacked justification. In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said, “This restriction does not rely on any serious scientific element, and maize producers, hit by (insects), sustain real financial damage.” France has also reportedly requested that the European Commission suspend authorization to sow the GM maize, the only one approved for cultivation in the European Union, contending that scientific research shows that it poses “significant risks for the environment.” See Reuters, March 29, 2012.