Council Press Release, 26 September 2007
The following are extracts from the Press Release following the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on the 26 September 2007
GMO
The Council was unable to establish a qualified majority, either for or against, on three proposals for decisions on the marketing of certain varieties of genetically modified maize – variety 59122 (11744/07), variety NK603xMON810 (11786/07) and variety 1507xNK603 (11860/07). The decision will therefore be referred back to the Commission.
In March, April and May 2006 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave three favourable opinions in accordance with Articles 6 and 18 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 and concluded that it is unlikely that the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from the maize concerned as described in the respective applications will have adverse effects on human or animal health or the environment.
On 8 and 25 June 2007 the Commission consulted the relevant Regulatory Committee, which was unable to achieve the qualified majority required to issue an opinion.
Consequently, on 9, 11 and 12 July 2007 respectively the Commission submitted the three proposals to the Council, which must act by a qualified majority within three months of the date of submission (i.e. by 9, 11 and 12 October 2007 respectively).
Milk
The Council adopted1 a legislative package for the reform of the market in milk products, concerning respectively the introduction of flat-rate aid for the school milk scheme, whatever the fat content of the milk (EUR 16,11/100 kg), the alignment of the protein content of European milk with the international standard set at 34% (standardisation) and indication of the exact fat content, the latter measure being intended to improve consumer information.