http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-11-01.html

Greece to Pull Up Genetically Modified Cotton

ATHENS, Greece, August 11, 2000 (ENS) - Greek agriculture minister Giorgos
Anomeritis has ordered the destruction of between 2,000 and 4,000 hectares
(4,942 and 9,884 acres) of cotton found to be contaminated with genetically
modified material. 

Following a series of discoveries of oilseed rape and maize (corn)
contaminated with genetically modified seeds in several European countries
earlier this year, this is the first time that a government has moved to
destroy such a large planted area.

No timetable for the destruction was announced, and a final decision on the
area to be affected depends on what level of contamination the ministry
deems acceptable. 

Anomeritis said that the cost of destruction and compensation had been
estimated at GDr1.2bn ($US3.3 million).

On Tuesday, Greece's deputy environment minister called on seed companies to
foot the bill. 

Agriculture ministry testing of imported cotton seed found 77 contaminated
lots, representing 847 tons of seed.

The ministry believes that 100 of the 847 tons were contaminated at a level
higher than one percent and that about 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) of
cotton have been planted using the seeds that have recorded a contamination
level above one percent.

Greek's largest seed company, Spyrou, was the main importer. Most of the
contaminated seed originated in the United States.

Greenpeace Greece has been campaigning over the cotton issue for several
months. The environment organization claims that cross pollination of
neighboring crops cannot be ruled out since the affected cotton plants have
already flowered. 

Greece is Europe's largest cotton producer, planting about 400,000 hectares
(988,400 acres) a year.


{Published in cooperation with ENDS Environment Daily, Europe's choice for
environmental news. Environmental Data Services Ltd, London. Email:
envdaily@ends.co.uk}


(c) Environment News Service (ENS) 2000. All Rights Reserved.