Spain Agricultural Biotechnology Annual 2014
Spain has an open approach to biotechnology and remains the European Union’s (EU’s) Member State with the largest area planted to GE crops. Field trials as well as confined research on genetically engineered (GE) plants and animals are permitted, although subject to prior notice and authorization.Regulatory constraints in the EU create an unattractive investment environment for seed companies and are negatively impacting the number of field trials being carried out. Spain’s position on cultivation decisions has evolved throughout the years towards a more open approach in what we understand as an attempt to open the door to the cultivation of new events.