The German Minister of Agriculture has prohibited the cultivation in Germany of the genetically modified corn brand MON 810 produced by the US company Monsanto. This decision is contrary to the European commission’s policy which has allowed the cultivation of MON 810 within the European Union since 1998.

The German prohibition was based on the uncertain long-term environmental affects of the corn which is genetically modified to produce an insecticide. The decision of the German Agriculture Minister was greeted by the Bavarian Environmental Minister, who called the decision „brave and professionally correct”.

Monsanto has expressed its intent to challenge the German prohibition.