EU experts clash over Monsanto’s genetically modified corn

European Union experts failed to reach consensus Monday on whether France and Greece should be forced to lift bans on growing Monsanto Co.’s insect-resistant corn. The impasse is just one example of the ongoing debate over genetically modified crops in Europe.

The International Herald Tribune writes about the issue here.

Currently, France and Greece are the only two EU countries where the sale of Monsanto’s YieldGard corn is prohibited. The ban was adopted in Greece in 2006 and in France two years later. The insect-resistant corn was first approved for use in the EU a decade ago and is currently the only genetically modified crop allowed to be commercially grown on EU soil, Reuters reports.

From here, the issue goes to an EU Council of Ministers, the EU said in a statement. If ministers still cannot reach agreement in three months, the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, gets the final say.