Poland Bans Biotech Seed Sale, Registration

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Scott C. Lucas|2 May 2006

While the new legislation was drafted in order for Poland to come in line with EU biotech regulations, the outright banning of biotech seed will likely be deemed a violation of EU regulations. A public appeal to defeat the ban was issued by several leading Polish scientists, and reportedly generated concern among members of Sejm (Poland’s lower House of Parliament), but not enough to prevent passage of the legislation. The bill will now go to the president for signature, which is expected.

Polish farmers do not currently use biotech seed due to the government’s anti-biotech stance and the lack of economically viable varieties in the country.