COMMERCIAL GM DESTRUCTIONS CONDEMNED; FARMERS STAND THEIR

UNCLAS PARIS 006159 SIPDIS BRUSSELS PASS USEU FOR AGMINCOUNSELOR STATE FOR OES; EUR/ERA AND EB (SPIRNAK); STATE PASS USTR FOR MURPHY; USDA/OS/JOHANNS/TERPSTRA; USDA/FAS FOR OA/YOST/SIMMONS/JONES; ITP/SHEIKH/MACKE/TOM POMEROY/MIKE WOOLSEY/GREG YOUNG; BOB RIEMENSCHNEIDER FAA/SEBRANEK/DEVER; EU POSTS PASS TO AGRICULTURE AND ECON GENEVA FOR USTR, ALSO AGRICULTURE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ETRD EU FR SUBJECT: COMMERCIAL GM DESTRUCTIONS CONDEMNED; FARMERS STAND THEIR GROUND REF: Paris 5262 ¶1. Summary: In the past several months, anti-Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) groups have destroyed several commercial biotech corn plantings. The latest incidents occurred on July 30 (see reftel),and September 2. The French Ministry of Agriculture reacted strongly and quickly to condemn both. France's largest farmers union and the French Corn Growers Organization also firmly reacted, organizing demonstrations in favor of the freedom to grow biotech crops. Despite the destructions, biotech corn production is on the rise. End summary. ¶1. On September 2, anti-biotech activists destroyed another commercial field of biotech corn. The French Minister of Agriculture quickly and vigorously condemned this action, as was the case after the first destruction. He called these activities "irresponsible acts of vandalism" and emphasized that French farmers are the victims of these illegal actions. ¶2. For the first time, the largest farmers union in France(FNSEA) also reacted. In a press communiqu, FNSEA said that the activists "have no union, political, or scientific legitimacy and terrorize farmers." FNSEA called on the GOF to take steps to prevent future illegal activities against biotech corn plantings. ¶3. As the most actively pro-biotech stakeholder, the French Corn Growers Association (AGPM) has been the most vocal in its protests, announcing that a demonstration will be held in late September at its headquarters in southwestern France against GM field destructions and in favor of modern agriculture based on biotechnology. AGPM has organized other demonstrations of farmers in favor of the right to grow biotech corn. In its communiqus, AGPM has stated corn growers affected by the destructions were "economically and personally prejudiced." ¶4. Comment: Tension on the issue of biotech cultivation is building, with the looming 2007 elections (for seats in the French Chambers of Agriculture, at the Parliament and for the President). While the biotech bill lingers in the French Parliament, some French farmers are ever more determined to continue their cultivation of biotech products, destructions notwithstanding. Total 2006 biotech corn acreage is estimated at 4,000 to 5,000 ha, as compared to 500 ha in 2005. While there are some positive developments, the French authorities could be more aggressive. The Embassy will continue to raise our concern that biotech crops be protected. End comment. Stapleton