France bans cultivation of genetically modified maize seeds

France on Saturday announced a ban on the commercialization, use and cultivation of seed products of Monsanto's MON 810 genetically modified maize which has "serious risks on the environment." In a decree published in Le Journal Officiel, French Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll said "commercialization, use and cultivation of varieties of maize seeds from the genetically modified maize line MON 810, are banned in the country until the adoption of a final decision." "Following reliable scientific data and very recent results of international research, cultivation of seed varieties of MON 810 maize without adequate management measures presents serious risks to the environment and a risk of spreading of resistant pests," he added. Meantime, French parliament will examine the government's draft bill to ban the cultivation of varieties of GM maize MON 810 in April 10. Citing environmental risks, Paris banned MON 810 maize in 2008. The decision was overturned by the country's highest court in November 2011 on the basis that it was not sufficiently justified. In 2012, France banned for a second time the cultivation of MON 810 maize, which was overturned again by the country's highest court in August 2013. )