Brussels, 26 May 2003
The Council took note of the outcome of proceedings of the round table organised by the Commission held on 24 April on the co-existence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops. The Council also took note of the intention of the Commission to submit guidelines on this issue by July 2003 the latest.
Several delegations welcomed the initiative of the Commission.
Several delegations suggested a two-step approach based on the initial guidelines provided by the Commission, on the basis of the scientific experience carried out notably on maize and rapeseeds, followed, if necessary and in the absence of a proper functioning of the co-existence principles, by a more stringent approach, based on a Community legislative framework.