Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Greenwood today issued the following statement in response to French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s ban on commercial sales and plantings of biotech crops in France:

“BIO is disappointed that French President Nicolas Sarkozy has chosen to impose a ban on the sale and commercial plantings of MON 810, a biotech corn variety, in France without any scientific basis. Without new and valid scientific support, this ban is a violation of European Union and international trade laws. The biotech corn variety MON 810 has been thoroughly reviewed and approved in 13 countries, including the European Union, which authorized this biotech corn variety in 1998.

“The biotechnology industry strongly supports a science-based regulatory system for products of agricultural biotechnology. Multiple food safety authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority, have determined MON 810 to be completely safe. There simply are no safety concerns that justify this ban.”

“This continued moratorium will negatively impact French farmers, consumers, and the environment. Biotech crops have tremendous potential to reduce the environmental impact of farming. By growing biotech crops, farmers reduce pesticide applications and the consumption of fuel and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reduce the need for plowing to control weeds, which leads to better conservation of soil and water, and a decrease in soil erosion and compaction.

“BIO urges the U.S. Government and the European Commission to object to this unnecessary and unscientific policy at the highest levels.”

BIO represents more than 1,150 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.