A statement by the European Commission confirmed that  Latvia and Greece are the two EU member states that have not given approval to a request for genetically modified cultivation across the EU. Monsanto sought approval to grow its MON810 pest-resistant corn in the EU, but Greece has refused in accordance with an EU law that gives member states the freedom to decide for themselves.

Monsanto stated that the decision by Latvia and Greece “contradicts and undermines the scientific consensus on the safety” of GM products. Monsanto states regret that “some countries are deviating from a science-based approach to innovation in agriculture and have elected to prohibit the cultivation of a successful GM product on arbitrary political grounds.”