Written by John Larabell

Since the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into the food supply in the mid-1990s, the European Union has generally resisted allowing these crops to be planted in member countries. This resistance has primarily been due to the fact that there is much debate over the potential harm that GM crops could do to the environment and other non-GM crops, and the potential harm that food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may do to humans.

This resistance seems to be weakening, however, no doubt due to persistent pressure from Monsanto, the world’s leading biotechnology firm, and Monsanto’s many allies in the U.S. government. According to mercola.com:

It's quite clear that the U.S. government, which is closely tied to Monsanto, has been aiding and abetting Monsanto's tireless and often ruthless quest to control the world's food crops.

U.S. diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, showed the government even conspired to find ways to retaliate against Europe for refusing to use GM seeds, mainly by engaging in aggressive trade wars against reluctant nations. As you might suspect, the EU has been under heavy pressure to add some slack to their GM regulations — and it seems they are about to cave.

While GMOs have been ubiquitous in the U.S. food supply for nearly two decades (unlabeled and unbeknownst to most of the American public, and after very little testing), several European countries have traditionally upheld bans against the planting of most GM crops and required any processed foods containing GMOs be labeled.

Apparently reflecting a recent change of heart, the eurozone is proposing to drop its “zero-tolerance” policy toward untested and unapproved GMOs in food. The new proposal would allow GM ingredients into the food supply in levels below a certain threshold. This echoes a decision made last year to allow GM crops to be used in animal feed below certain concentration levels. Why this recent “change of heart”? Opponents of GM crops note that the dropping of the zero-tolerance policy is due to pressure from the U.S. government, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the biotech industry (arguably led by Monsanto).

Germany, for example, has banned Monsanto’s MON810 corn, and several years ago France asked the European Commission to suspend Monsanto’s authorization to plant MON810, citing studies that show the GM crop poses significant risks to the environment. The European Union, however, stepped in and blocked the ban. Craig Stapleton, who was the U.S. ambassador to France at the time, had this to say:

Continue reading: http://www.thenewamerican.com/economy/markets/item/12026-monsanto-p...