Study on GM in Spain

A researcher of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has analysed the application of the concept of coexistence between GM maize and organically grown maize in Catalonia and Aragon. The main conclusion found was that GM maize has caused a drastic reduction in organic cultivation in this grain and that coexistence is practically impossible.

Since GM cultivation was introduced in Spain in 1998, it has been discussed controversially, evolving into a debate of the concept of coexistence with organic agriculture. The Bt corn is grown on 23,000 hectares in Catalonia and on 35,900 hectares in Aragon, which represent 55 % and 42 % respectively of the total surface used to cultivate corn.

The maize production process is taking place in cereal cooperatives, which cover the entire production chain. This makes it difficult and expensive to segregate GM from organic production. No specific silos for organic maize are available, and only a few cooperatives in the region restrict the use of GMOs.

The analysis reveals a confrontation between the proponents and opponents of GM technology and the measures to be taken in regulation and in taking responsibility for cases of admixture; and confrontation also exists when trying to define technical measures to guarantee the coexistence. The study also analyses the difficulties organic farmers would face in case of claiming compensation if admixture took place. These include the problem that farmers might not sue for damages to avoid local confrontation in small villages.

The research concludes that the concept of coexistence and different implementation proposals have generated new problems, but did not solve existing conflicts. 

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