Press release of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture

reas under genetically modified maize exceeded eight thousands hectares

In 2008 the areas under genetically modified maize - Bt maize - keep growing. Following the evidence of Ministry of Agriculture and in agreement with the statistics of the Ministry of environment 8 380 ha of Bt maize was planted by 171 farmers.
As usually, most of it (over 2 000 ha) was registered in South Moravia, in Central Bohemia (over 1 600 ha incl. Prague) and Pilsner region (over 900 ha).

Czech farmers were interested in growing Bt maize already in the year 2005, i.e., in the first year of approval in EU. 52 farmers grew in total 270 ha. Since then the area kept growing every year.

Year - Area -  Number of farmers
2005 - 270 - 52
2006 - 1290 - 85
2007 - 5000 - 131
2008 - 8380 - 171

"The reason of the constant increase of Bt maize areas," said minister of agriculture Petr Gandalovič, are persisting problems with the pest corn borer. Positive experiences of our farmers during last three years are another important reason."

Farmers appreciate advantages of Bt maize, viz. important reduction or complete elimination of moulds infection and significant lower damage of plants. In this way yield increased in average by 10 percent comparing with classical varieties. The decrease in pesticide application is an essential point as well as better quality of feed obtained. Bt maize is not used for food in the CR.

The plating of Bt maize is regulated by legal rules, inc. so called "coexistence". The purpose is the separation GMO and their products from standard and organic products in such way that allows the choice by consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture together with the regional agricultural units and Governmental Plant Health Agency inspect every year the observance of these rules.

Other GM crops are grown just as field trials - potatoes, flax, plum tree, tobacco - and are used for scientific purposes. Their products are not used for market. These trials are sc. "release in the environment" and are under control of the Czech inspection of environment.