Romania to Push for Approval of GMO Soybeans

“Soybeans could represent an important source of income for Romania, so we have to make every effort this year in order to reach agreement within the European Union for cultivating and exporting genetically modified soybeans,” Romania’s Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabara said, noting that the country cannot produce GMO crops until agreement is reached within the EU.

Romania has a production capacity of 2 million tonnes, while consuming only 500,000 tonnes of soybeans annually. “The difference of 1.5 million tonnes could be exported. Romania is losing around 1 billion euro per year because it does not cultivate genetically modified soybeans,” Tabara added.

Romania, where agriculture still plays a significant role in the economy, was a major grower of genetically modified crops until it joined the European Union in 2007. Since then, the country has banned the cultivation of genetically modified crops, with the exception of 300 hectares of the MON 810 genetically modified maize.

According to EU law, decisions to grow genetically modified plants and allow imports from third countries should be achieved at the community level, in a voting procedure involving all 27 EU member states.

The use of genetically modified crops in Europe is a controversial issue, with farmers and food businesses arguing that hardier crops will help boost production at a time when food prices are soaring, and environmental activists speaking out against the practice.

Environmental groups in Romania oppose the agriculture minister's proprosal to reintroduce GMO soybeans. “Mr. Valeriu Tabara’s support for GMO crops is well known. But so many scientific studies show that they have negative effects on people’s health and the environment. This is a risk Romania cannot afford,” says Ramona Duminicioiu, from the organisation Green Agent.

Meanwhile, polls show most Romanians are reluctant to consume genetically modified products, because of fears for their personal well-being and the environment, a pattern seen in most other EU countries as well.