Danish farmers trained to grow GMO crops

So far no Danish farmers have cultivated genetically modified crops. But as the authorities approve new maize and potato varieties that are well suited for the Danish climate, a number of Danish farmers will probably start to cultivate them.

Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Eva Kjer Hansen is pleased that the farmers are preparing for the challenge. “We must take advantage of the genetically modified plants’ benefits, such as a better economy and a cleaner environment. This means that the individual farmer must know about our rules. The fact that 250 farmers have chosen to study the new possibilities shows that the sector is ready to tread new paths. Experimental cultivation of genetically modified maize has already taken place in Denmark. It is therefore positive that we in Denmark have regulations ready, so we are prepared for commercial cultivation.”
 
So far in Denmark cultivation of GMO crops approved for commercial cultivation have only taken place on a small area. The following link shows where the GMO fields are located on an electronic map of Denmark (in Danish only): http://gmomark.pdir.dk/Default.aspx.
 
Denmark has had legislation for cultivating GMOs since 2004, so farmers can grow genetically modified crops alongside conventional and organic plants.
 
Danish agriculture already imports large quantities of genetically modified soya, which is predominantly used as feed for pigs and cattle. Genetically modified plants are grown on 114 million hectares around the world, equalling 8% of the total cultivation area. The plants are primarily grown in the USA and Argentina, but EU countries south of Denmark also produce genetically modified maize.

Further information:

Danish Plant Directorate, Karina L. Vintersborg
Department of Seed
Tel. +45 45 26 37 73

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