EU Ministers’ Backing Of GMO Deal Could Lift Monsanto

European Union environmental ministers Thursday backed a proposed deal that would let member-states decide for themselves whether to allow genetically modified crops.

The EU has generally opposed GMO crop seeds like those Monsanto (NYSE:MON) makes, amid concerns about unknown possible health effects.

Because it gives individual member-countries the option to choose, it’s unclear exactly what impact the deal, if approved, would have on Monsanto and others.

The vote by environmental ministers of 26 of the 28 member-states in favor of a more liberal policy could open the door to more sales of GMO products.

But individual countries would also have the option of banning GMO crops for reasons other than those with a scientific basis.

The compromise must still be voted on by the European Union Parliament.