Monsanto pulls out of Europe?

Monsanto is dropping plans to grow new types of GM crops in the European Union, BBC reports. The Monsanto decision relates to pending requests to grow genetically modified maize, soybean and sugar beet and came shortly after the EU began talks with the USA on a wide-ranging trade deal, with agriculture likely to be one of the toughest issues.
 

The Members of the German Bundestag Renate Künast (see picture) and Harald Ebner (Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen) have welcomed the withdrawal of the application for authorization. However, they comment, it would be too early to be delighted for Europe’s GM-free agriculture and food sector. They doubt that Monsanto will actually give up its plans for Europe, since too much money has been invested in the development of genetically modified plants. They called on Monsanto not to apply for readmission of the GM maize MON810, since it brings demonstrable risks for non-target organisms, according to a press release.