The Polish government adopted draft legislation to limit the cultivation and sale of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) by setting up GM-free zones.

“The new law on GMOs is to protect Poles against the flood of foods that are genetically modified,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk, adding that, “thanks to this law, if passed by parliament and signed by the President, the government will be provided with the tools to control and enforce strict regulations on food that could be detrimental to human health.”

The bill aims to adapt Polish legislation to European Union law and does allow the cultivation of GMOs, but creates the mechanisms for farmers to set-up and regulate GMO-free zones.

The legislation states that, in order to obtain a permit to cultivate GMOs, a farmer will be required to carry out and submit a full impact assessment on the soil, greenery and surrounding environment, as well as obtain the consent of all owners of adjacent parcels to the land where the GMO will be grown.

Poland's Ministry of Environment will be responsible for th monitoring of GMOs in the country – including the growing process – while the Health Ministry, together with the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, will be responsible for making decision on the marketing of medicinal products made of GMOs. (mmj)