Malta should utilize its EU opt-out and join Austria and Italy by declaring Malta a GMO-free zone, said Alternattiva Demokratika.

Simon Galea, spokesperson for Animal Welfare and Agriculture said the Green Party reaffirms its position against the cultivation of GMO crops and called upon the Maltese government to follow footsteps of other EU countries such as Austria and Italy who are requesting an opt-out from growing GMO crops permitted or said to be permitted at EU level.

"AD is calling upon the Maltese Government to apply for the opt-out measure permitted under new EU regulations. Apart from the introduction of GMOs in the food chain, GMO crop cultivation pose other major threats including cross pollination, something which is particularly relevant to small countries such as Malta. Ecosystems can be badly affected following GMOs cross pollinating with other species thus altering present species with all its implications," said Mr Galea.

Chairman Arnold Cassola said: "Alternattiva Demokratika is asking Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes to officially request an opt-out from growing any of the eight varieties of GM maize permitted or set to be permitted under EU law."