The current measures being implemented to ensure coexistence of GM and non-GM crops in the EU are practically feasible, both at farm level and along the supply chain, a new study by UK researchers has revealed.
The new study, conducted by researchers from PRactical Implementation of Coexistence in Europe (PRICE), was aimed at understanding how implementable and costly these strategies are for farmers, agri-food supply chain operators and consumers.
Coordinated by the Technische Universit,t München (TUM), the study by PRICE researchers found that these measures come with additional costs, partly paid by consumers and other supply chain stakeholders.
PRICE project leader Professor Justus Wesseler said: "During 2 years we have done field trials with GM maize in Spain, applying buffer zones or different sowing dates resulting in asynchrony in flowering as recommended by the Seed Producers' Association.
"The results demonstrated that these are effective methods for Spanish maize growers to ensure coexistence in the framework of current legislation, also at the level of small plots."
The researchers conducted survey among 1,473 farmers in Germany, Spain, Portugal and the UK.
EU Member States apply coexistence measures to allow cultivation of GM and non-GM crops in the same area, transport and market them side by side in order to preserve their identity.
