"The vast majority of European citizens and consumers are opposed to genetically engineered plants in agriculture and for food," writes Jorgo Riss, Greenpeace director in a letter to José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.

GM corn can harm butterflies, modify food chains and disturb life in rivers and streams according to EU environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas. Dimas cited research from 2007 showing that consumption of genetically modified "corn byproducts reduced growth and increased mortality of non-target stream insects" and that these insects "are important prey for aquatic and riparian predators" and that this could have "unexpected ecosystem-scale consequences."

The Prince of Wales: 'Personally I don't think I don't think it is right to tamper with the building blocks of life. I also regard the technology as unproven with the potential to cause serious and possibly irreversible damage to wildlife and the environment'.

The EU is within its rights to make decisions based on the "precautionary principle," even when scientists have found no definitive evidence proving products can cause harm said Barbara Helfferich of the EU commission.

Supporters of GM crops cite less pesticide spraying is necessary, including the use of fewer and safer herbicides.

GM crops were first planted in 1995 on a 'farm scale' and have since been adopted mainly by the Argentina, Canada, USA and China.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/21/business/GMO.php