The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided in September this year that pollen of genetically modified (GM) plants (GMP) contained in honey counts as a food ingredient and requires authorisation. One of the consequences of this “reclassification” is that honey containing pollen of GMPs now falls within the scope of the regulation on GM food and feed. As a consequence, honey containing GM pollen can be placed on the market only if the GMP in question has been authorised as food and labeling requirements are observed. All unauthorised GMPs are subject to the zero tolerance policy.
The international workshop aims to discuss the consequences of the ECJ judgement for GM crop releases and cultivation in Germany and the EU and for the honey market. The workshop is expected to provide scientific data on practical measures for coexistence of beekeeping with commercial cultivation of GM plants and for experimental field releases. Detection methods for pollen in honey and labeling issues will be discussed as well.
The conference language will be English with simultaneous translation of the plenary talks into German. The free of charge* workshop will be limited to 150 participants. Registration will be necessary before November 30 by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it l .
Tentative Program
Tuesday, 13.12.2011
12:00-13:00
Light lunch
13:00-13:10
Welcome & Introduction
13:10-16:00
Section 1: Background information
- Legal analysis of the ECJ judgement
- European measures on coexistence and experiences with their implementation
- How does pollen end up in honey (especially maize and potato pollen)
- Detection of GMP pollen in honey
- The honey market – economic considerations
Introduction into working groups and nomination of chairs & rapporteurs
16:00-16:30
Coffee break
16:30-19:00
Discussion in 3 working groups:
- Practical measures for coexistence of beekeeping with commercial cultivation of GM plants and for
experimental field releases
- Detection methods for GMP pollen in honey & labeling issues
- Consequences of the ECJ judgement for the European honey market and honey exporting countries
19:30-21:30
Workshop Dinner (Harnack-House)
Wednesday, 14.12.2011
08:30-10:30
Section 2: Scientific and economic issues (6 talks)
10:30-11:00
Coffee break
11:00-12:00
Working group reports
12:00-12:45
Final discussion
12:45-13:00
Final statement & take home messages
