October 16, 2001 -- The European Commission has released a report summarizing the results of 81 biosafety research projects that the European Union has supported for more than 15 years. “Research on GM
(genetically modified) plants and derived products so far developed and marketed, following usual risk assessment procedures, has not shown any new risks to human health or the environment,
beyond the usual uncertainties of conventional plant breeding,” the report states. “Indeed, the use of more precise technology and the
greater regulatory scrutiny probably make them even safer than conventional plants and foods. If there are unforeseen environmental effects - none
have appeared as yet - these should be rapidly detected by existing monitoring systems."

The projects received total EU funding of 70 million euros and involved over 400 scientific teams from all parts of Europe.

"Between the enthusiastic exaggeration of certain GMO 'crusaders' and the radicalism of a minority among their opponents, there is an urgent need to find room for a reasonable compromise, based
on sound and measured scientific arguments of risk assessment and prudent management," says Philippe Busquin, a member of the Commission. The Commission also launched
a discussion forum on GMOs to encourage dialogue on biosafety issues.