Mark Causon, AD’s spokesperson on the environment said: “Alternattiva and the European Greens welcome the decision taken by EU states to reject the commission’s proposal. It is the ninth consecutive time that EU member states have rejected the EU Commission proposals to allow GMOs to be marketed in Europe and thereby appeal to the EU Commission to take note of the strong will of EU member states against GMOs.

“The Commission should finally recognise the legitimate health and environmental concerns of citizens, farmers, consumers and member governments and should thereby develop its GMO policy in order to reflect these concerns. Alternattiva also reiterates its appeal to declare Malta and Gozo as GMO free zones in order to further safeguard the health of Maltese citizens and grant a glimpse of hope for the conservation of typical Maltese ecosystems.

“In particular AD also backs Nature Trust’s proposals to declare Gozo as a GMO free zone. This proposal, together with a determined policy against high-rise buildings in Gozo and investment in organic farming and agro-tourism, can enable Gozo to finally develop its huge potential as a unique tourist product,” concluded Mr Causon.