Scientific Opinion on a question from the European Commission related to the notification by Portugal, pursuant to Article 95 (5) of the EC Treaty, for the prohibition of cultivation of Genetically Modified Plants in the Autonomous Region of Madeira

According to Article 95(5) of the EC Treaty, Portugal notified to the European Commission its intention to declare the Autonomous Region of Madeira as a region free from the cultivation of GM plants. Portugal therefore proposed to introduce a regional decree to prohibit the cultivation of GM seeds and propagating plant material in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Two reports were provided in support of the national measure. Following the notification of Portugal, the European Commission requested a scientific opinion from the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to investigate whether the information mentioned in the supporting documents contains any new scientific evidence in terms of protection of the environment in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, that would justify such a prohibition of the use of GMOs, including those that have already been authorised under Directive 90/220/EEC or Directive 2001/18/EC. In its evaluation, the EFSA GMO Panel only investigated and commented on aspects that relate to the protection of human and animal health and the environment. Socio-economic aspects related to the cultivation of GM plants and the coexistence between cropping systems fall outside the remit of EFSA, and are not addressed in this scientific opinion. Following investigation of the evidence presented in the Portuguese submission, the EFSA GMO Panel did not identify new scientific information on the environmental or human and animal health impacts of EU approved GM plants. The EFSA GMO Panel therefore concludes that, based on the supporting documents submitted by Portugal, no new scientific evidence, in terms of risk to human and animal health and the environment, was provided that would justify a prohibition of the cultivation of GM plants in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.