The setting-up of this website was financially
supported by the European
Union within the European Commission’s Sixth Framework Programme from
1 January 2005 until 28 February 2007.
The European Commission and other EU agencies are not responsible for the content.
|
See what’s what.
Please note that the GMO Compass Database currently is being expanded and updated. Please check back for new entries.
|
|
|
|
GM Crops
The Big Four: Soybean, Maize, Rapeseed and Cotton |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Soybeans: Predominanty GM
Over half of the world's 2007 soybean crop (59%) was genetically modified, a higher percentage than for any other crop. Each year, the EU Member States import approximately 40 million tonnes of soy material, primarily used for feeding cattle, swine, and chickens. Soybeans are also used to produce many food additives.
 continue
|
|
 |
|
GM maize: Cultivated in Europe
Maize is the only GM crop that is currently being grown in Europe. Maize is used primarily for animal feed and is also an important raw material for the starch industry. If GM maize production in Europe were to increase, it would most likely make its way into food products.
continue
|
|
 |
|
GM wheat: Not on the North American market
GM wheat is not currently grown anywhere in the world. The planned introduction of GM wheat into the US and Canada has been put off for the time being. Genetic engineering could be used to combat fungal disease. Fungal diseases not only cause significant yield losses, but also lead to the contamination of wheat products with fungal toxins.
continue
|
|
 |
|
Rapeseed/Canola
Until recently, rapeseed was a relatively unimportant crop. Today rapeseed is grown not only as raw material for renewable resources, but also as a source of oil that is used to produce margarine. There is no GM rapeseed currently being grown in Europe. In Canada, however, GM rapeseed has become widespread.
continue
|
|
 |
Sugar beet:
Commercial planting of a genetically modified
herbicide-tolerant sugar beet began in the USA in 2008. This is expected to make
weed management simpler and more effective. This sugar beet is approved for
import into the EU, as well as for food and feed processing; however, it is not
yet authorised for cultivation.
continue
|  |
|
Potato: Starch as a renewable resource
Over the last few years, potatoes have been losing importance as a food crop. The crop's prospects in the starch and chemical industry, however, have been growing for quite some time. A genetically modified potato cultivar with optimised starch content will most likely be cultivated in Europe soon.
continue
|
|
 |
|
Rice
Disease resistance and enhanced nutritional qualities are the most important goals in modern plant breeding. Soon, genetically modified rice will be found in fields in several countries around the world.
continue
|
|  |
|
Cotton
Cotton is not only important as a source of fibre for textiles. The seeds make up an important part of food and animal feed. GM cotton is grown primarily in India, China and the United States. China is currently expanding its production of GM cotton, which could allow for drastic reductions in pesticide use.
continue
|
|
|
|
| Animation: The Authorisation Process in Motion! |
| Applying, consulting, and making a decision: The long and winding road to GMO authorisation in EU |
|
start animation |
 | GM Crops - Growing Around the World |
 | Breeding Aims |
 | Coexistence: With and Without GMOs |
 | GMO Database |
|