French Court Overturns France’s Ban on Monsanto GMO Corn

On August 1, 2013, the highest administrative court in France rejected a government ban on Monsanto’s genetically modified corn. The court stated that according to European Union law, a ban such as this could only be imposed in the case of an emergency or serious health or environmental risk. This is the second time in two years that the State Council has overturned a government ban on growing MON810, a Monsanto variety of GMO corn. According to several press releases, the government of France maintains its opposition towards the cultivation of Monsanto’s GMO maize, reflecting the public’s view that GMO technology poses environmental risks.

Written by Sarah Doyle – Research Assistant

The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

@PSUAgLawCenter

August 2, 2013