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Estonia Expressed its Opinion on Three GMOs

The Ministry of the Environment expressed its opinion on three genetically modified organisms to the European Commission. While two applications for genetically modified rape were not supported by Estonia, the opinion on genetically modified cotton was positive.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED COTTON (strain 281-24-236/3006-210-23)

The Ministry of the Environment received an application for authorisation of the genetically modified cotton during the 60-day-long evaluation period. The application for the marketing authorisation includes the import of cotton seeds to the countries of the European Union as well as storage and industrial use similar to normal cotton, but it does not cover use for human food, animal feed or cotton growing. In its initial opinion on the marketing of this GMO, the Minister of the Environment relied on the recommendations of the Gene Technology Committee. The Gene Technology Committee did not ascertain any risks to human health and the environment that could possibly be caused by this genetically modified cotton. Estonia did not oppose the marketing application of this genetically modified cotton in its opinion.

This type of genetically modified cotton is resistant to certain noxious insects (for example, the caterpillar Helicoverpa zea that feeds on the seed capsules of cotton, and some other species that damage seed capsules) and tolerant to the herbicide glyphosinate ammonium.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED RAPE (strain MS8/Rf3)

An opinion on the application for the marketing authorisation of the genetically modified rape of Bayer CropScience received through Belgium was also expressed to the European Commission. A 45-day-long part of the evaluation period is currently under way, as an outcome of which the Member States will say whether their earlier opinions on this matter have changed or not. Before the evaluation period the applicant gave additional information and answered the questions. This type of rape has been modified in such a way that it is male sterile and tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate. The application for the marketing authorisation includes the import of seeds from non-EU countries, growing this rape similar to normal varieties of rape, use for human food, animal feed and industrial raw material.

The Gene Technology Committee advised Estonia to disagree with the marketing authorisation of the strain MS8/Rf3 of genetically modified rape, as there exists a risk of interbreeding with the local Brassicae if this strain is grown. In addition, the Gene Technology Committee found shortcomings in immunological research.

Estonia disagreed with the marketing authorisation application. On the basis of the recommendations given by the Gene Technology Committee, Estonia requested the applicant to conduct additional tests with the aim of finding out whether this genetically modified rape is allergenic or not.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED RAPE GT 73

The Environmental Council of the European Union voted on the marketing authorisation (for animal feed and industrial processing) of the genetically modified rape GT73 at its Brussels meeting on 20 December. This type of rape has been modified in such a way that it is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate.

The first vote on the genetically modified rape GT73 took place in the regulatory committee of the Commission on 16 June 2004, where Estonia voted against the marketing of this rape, as the applicant had not provided sufficient measures that would help to avoid accidental release of GMOs into the environment during transportation. Estonia disagreed with the marketing of the genetically modified rape GT73 in Europe bearing in mind the risk that if the genetically modified rape is accidentally released into the environment, it may interbreed with other varieties of rape and the local wild Brassicae. Since a decision was not reached last time, yesterday the vote took place at ministerial level in the Environmental Council, where Estonia was represented by Mr Olavi Tammemäe, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of the Environment.

Further information:
Lilika Käis
Chief Specialist of the Nature Conservation Department, Ministry of the Environment
Phone (+372) 626 2877

Monika Kopt
Press Representative of the Ministry of the Environment
Phone (+372) 626 2993; (+372) 521 2602
E-mail: