The Gene Technology Committee with new members approved last week has just held their first meeting. New members of the Committee elected a Chairman and Deputy Chairman and discussed the first GMO applications. The new Gene Technology Committee (GTC) consisting of 17 members elected Erkki Truve, Professor of Gene Technology at the Tallinn Technical University to be the Chairman of the Committee and Andres Mäe, Docent of Genetics at the University of Tartu to be the Deputy Chairman. The Committee comprising representatives of state authorities, non-governmental organisations and universities also discussed an application for authorisation to market GM maize (line NK603) at today’s meeting. SA Monsanto, a company that has filed an application with the European Union through Spain wishes to start marketing the said GM maize for industrial use and use as forage. According to the application, this type of maize would not be used for human consumption or crop farming. GTC decided to advise the Minister of the Environment to vote in favour of satisfying the application for authorisation to market GM maize (line NK603) at the meeting of the EU Environment Council because the GTC has concluded that the marketing of this type of maize would not pose any threats to people or the environment. The EU Environment Council will meet next week. Further information: |
