European Union governments have no right to restrict public information about the location of field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops, reuters quoted sources of Europe's highest court as saying on Tuesday. The ruling, handed down by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), follows a campaign waged against his local authorities for nearly five years by Pierre Azelvandre, who lives in the Alsace commune of Sausheim in eastern France. Azelvandre wanted to know where GM field trials had taken place in his neighbourhood and also about any new field trials that were due to take place in 2004. European consumers are widely opposed to GM crops and foods, often called "Frankenstein foods" due to fears they could harm humans and wildlife by triggering an uncontrolled spread of modified genes. The biotech industry insists its products are as safe as conventional equivalents. Azelvandre first made his request in April 2004 to his local mayor, who eventually produced some of the relevant documents after a committee dealing with public information requests investigated he case. But it turned down the release of planting records or maps of the areas where field trials were held, arguing that to disclose the information would prejudice the privacy and safety of the farmers concerned. It also declined to give data on 2004 trials. GM crop trials have been targeted by anti-GM activists in Europe and many crops have been ripped out. Azelvandre challenged this refusal at France's administrative court which in turn requested clarification from the ECJ. "The right of public access to information applies to releases of genetically modified organisms," the ECJ said. "Member states cannot invoke a public order exception so as to prevent the disclosure of the location of release of genetically modified organisms," it said in a statement. Information on GM field trial locations could "in no case" be kept confidential and neither could considerations of public order be a reason for restricting access to information. Although France has banned the only GM crop that may be commercially grown in the European Union, a maize developed by Monsanto, the cultivation of GM seeds for scientific purposes is still legal, provided companies respect rules aimed at limiting dissemination of pollen to conventional fields.
