The positive opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) about the safety of Monsanto's MON 810 corn trait and Roundup Ready 2 corn product, will definitely have a strong impact on the future of GM cultivations in Europe.

GM maize type MON 810 has been a matter of discussion for a long time: it was originally reviewed and approved in 1998 but has remained controversial, with member states France and Germany banning its cultivation. The trait must be reviewed and re-approved every ten years, taking into account the latest scientific findings.

EFSA's new opinion is "favourable", according to rumors gathered around the Authority's headquarters in Parma, and confirmed by Monsanto itself.

The agricultural corporation also pointed out that EFSA has also given a green light that its Roundup Ready Corn 2, which is resistant to the firm’s herbicides, is as safe as conventional corn after spending four years assessing the scientific information.

“This is an exiting milestone for European farmers and an important step forward in the decision-making process around genetically-engineered crops in the European Union,” said Monsanto’s corn technology leader Dusty Post to Food Navigator.

Not everyone is as gleeful about the prospect of more GM crops in Europe, however. Voices opposed to widespread adoption argue that the full effects on the environment and on human health will not be seen for many years to come.