The French government has formally banned genetically modified maize over fears it could threaten the environment. Following promises to ban the maize from the French government, agriculture minister Bruno LeMaire officially announced a temporary prohibition on Friday.  

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The maize in question, Monsanto’s MON810, was banned in France in 2008, though the interdiction was repealed last year after the European Court of Justice and France’s highest court ruled it to be illegal; the French government promised to reinstate a ban on the maize despite the courts’ ruling, offering EFSA evidence to support its decision.

Following the furore over the maize in France, even after the first ban was officially lifted, Monsanto announced it would not be selling its GM maize in the country this season. The company said it has no plans to sell its GM crops in France whilst the government and farming community remain so hostile to the technology.

Although it is currently the only GM crop licensed for cultivation in the EU, MON810, sold as YieldGard, is also banned in Germany, Hungary, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg.

The maize produces a toxin which affects insect pests. Although Monsanto claims the toxin is benign to humans and other animals, findings of a number of studies have contested this, causing uncertainty. Most recently, a study from the University of Caen raised questions over the effect of the Bt toxin on human kidneys. Although it has been used for many years as a pesticide, the French researchers expressed concern over the effects the Bt protein may have if it could not be washed off.     

The EU's largest grain grower invoked a ‘safeguard’ clause in order to instate its ban before spring sowing started. M LeMaire said, "Due to the proximity of the planting season authorities decided to take a precautionary measure to temporarily prohibit the cultivation of maize MON810 on the national territory to protect the environment."

The French government has said it would examine all possible avenues to maintain its ban. Although France has appealed to the European Commission over the "significant risks for the environment" posed by GM crops, with an election imminent and public opinion fiercely opposed to GM and the companies involved, there has been speculation that the incumbent Sarkozy government’s motivations may be political.

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