Austria is planning to hold a pan-European debate about genetically-modified (GM) farming, following strong Swiss support for a five-year ban on gene technology in a referendum on 27 November. Vienna will take over the EU's six-month rotating presidency in January and aims to host a conference about GM crops on 4-5 April, the country's agriculture minister Josef Proell has announced.

Austria is one of the staunchest opponents of GM technology in the EU and is sticking to its own ban on modified plants within its territory.Along with Italy, Austrian authorities indicated they view the Swiss vote as strong proof of the European public's opposition to GM farming. Although Switzerland is not a member state of the EU, the result of the referendum will "make people think," Italian agriculture minister Gianni Alemanno commented.

Over 55 percent of Swiss voters - and a majority in all 26 of the country's regions or "cantons" - supported a 5-year ban on GM crop and animal farming. Pro-ban campaigners expect the Swiss result to generate strong popular backing for similar moves across the EU.The new law will not prevent import of GM food or research into GMOs. However the biotech industry fears that an increased anti-GMO trend could stifle research.

The EU executive last year lifted a six-year moratorium on the sale of GM foods. Some member states (such as Spain, the UK and the Netherlands) argue that Europe has sufficient safeguards in place and should move ahead on GM farming. But several other countries insist new tests must be carried out before allowing widespread farming of GM crops. Spain is currently the only EU country with large areas given over to GM crops.

Based on EU-Observer.