Positive news
December 23, 2008
The Council of State suspends the refusal of the ministers. Their arguments are brushed aside. The Council adds that their refusal threatens ten years of top research to be nullified, and can have negative consequences for the Belgian biotech-industry. Read more in the press release
January 27, 2009
The Dutch Government publishes its permit proposal. The government wants to give the green light. Now the public has time to react, after which the final decisiom will be taken.
The same day the British Government announces an investment of 27 million pounds into second generation biofuels, particularly straw and willow.
February 13, 2009
Minister Magnette announces that he will allow the field trial under 15 very strict conditions.
February 17, 2009
VIB receives the formal permit for the field test, It has to do 'additional studies on pest and non-pest insects living on leaves and wood, including a local species like Phratora laticollis.'
April 23, 2009
VIB receives a formal permit in the Netherlands.
May 6, 2009
Minister Ceysens plants first transgene poplar in Flanders. VIB is pleased that the trees can now be tested under practical, real-life conditions. Read more in the press release (pdf - 160 Kb). For photos click here.
To cut a long story short...
VIB strives for a responsible development of biotechnology in Flanders. For this it should also be possible to perform field trials. With the planting of the first transgenic tree (after a field trial moratorium of 7 years) VIB has reached an important milestone for the development of plant biotechnology in Flanders.
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