List of GM‐free regions and local areas in Europe (Last updated February 2009) Regions Provinces, Local Governments (as Prefectures & defined Departments by the Assembly of European Regions AER) Total + Germany Albania 12 Austria 9 Over 100 Belgium 1 120 Bulgaria 5 3 Croatia 14 Cyprus Czech
Republic Denmark Estonia 285 landowners Finland 1 12 municipalities and 30 farms France 15 6 Over 1250 départments
Georgia Germany Total: 186 GMO‐free initiatives: 165 municipalities 1.112.006 hectares 28.865 farmers via private contracts Greece 1 54 prefectures (out of 54)
Hungary 2 61 Iceland Ireland 8 9 cities or towns, and more than 1,000 smaller areas Italy 16 27 provinces 2446
Latvia Lithuania Luxemburg 74 municipalities and 189 farmers Netherlands 1 Macedonia 3 Malta Montenegro The Netherlands Norway Poland 16 Portugal 2 27 municipalities Romania 40 Russia 1 6 Serbia Slovakia 1 10 Slovenia 79 Spain 4 2 90 Switzerland 5 84 municipalities Sweden 1 Turkey UK 2 3 60 Japan Mexico United States
* Subscribed to the Charter of Florence
Albania Prefecture of Shkoder, Kukes, Diber, Lezhe, Tirane, Elbasan, Vlore,Korce, Berat, Gjirokaster, Lushnje, Durres are declared GMO‐free.
Austria All 9 Austrian Bundeslaender (regions) have declared their intention to remain GMO‐free: Burgenland*, Käernten* (Carinthia), Niederösterreich* (Lower Austria), Oberösterreich* (Upper Austria), Salzburg*, Steiermark*, Tirol*, Vorarlberg *, Wien* (Vienna).
Over 100 municipalities have signed a GMO‐free resolution.
Belgium One region: Wallonie*, is declared as GMO‐free
39 communities in Flandern (the Flamish speaking part of Belgium) and 85 communities in Wallonie (the French speaking part of Belgium) have declared themselves GMO‐free. Flandern: Affligem, Alken, Bonheiden, Brasschaat, Diksmuide, Erpe‐Mere, Geraardsbergen, Grobbendonk, Harelbeke, Hasselt, Herk De Stad, Herselt, Herzele, Hoeilaart, Houthulst, Kapelle‐op‐den‐Bos, Knokke‐Heist, Kortenberg, Lanaken, Lint, Londerzeel, Lo‐Reninge, Meerhout, Oud‐Heverlee, Overijse, Ravels, Riemst, Roosdaal, Sint‐Katelijne‐Waver, Spiere‐Helkijn, Temse, Tessenderlo, Tielt‐Winge, Tremelo, Vorselaar, Wichelen, Zoersel, Zottegem, Zwijnrecht, Wallonie: Anderlecht, Anhée, Bassenge, Beauraing, Binche, Blegny, Bouillon, Braine‐Le‐Comte, Braives, Bruxelles‐Forest, Cerfontaine, Châtelet, Chimay, Ciney, Colfontaine, Comblain au Pont, Courcelles, Court St Etienne, Couvin, Dinant, Doische, Durbuy, Esneux, Fauvillers, Fernelmont, Fléron, Floreffe, Florennes, Gedinne, Genappe, Gesves, Habay‐La‐Neuve, Hamois, Havelange, Helecine, Honnelles, Houyet, Lierneux, Limbourg, Lincent, Manhay, Meix‐Devant‐Virton, Momignies, Mont de L'Enclus, Morlanwelz, Namur, Neufchâteau, Oreye, Ottignies ‐ Louvain‐ la‐Neuve, Oupeye, Perulwez, Plombières, Ramillies, Rebecq, Remicourt, Rendeux, Rochefort, Rouvroy, Rumes, Sambreville, Somme‐Leuze, Spa, Stavelot, Saint Léger, Stoumont, Tellin, Tenneville, Tintigny, Tournai, Uccle, Verviers, Vielsalm, Villers‐Le‐Bouillet, Visé, Waimes, Walcourt, Wanze, Wasseiges, Wellin, Welkenraedt, Yvoir
Bulgaria Five regions are declared as GMOfree by the local authorities by signing the European declaration: Banite, Ivaylovgrad, Kardzhali, Satovcha and Zlataritsa.
Satvocha declared as first GMO free region in Bulgaria. Kardzhali and Banite also commited themselves in June 2006
Croatia 14 out of 20 counties have declared themselves GMO free: Istria, Slavonski Brod‐Posavina, Sisak‐Moslavina*, Bjelovar‐Bilogora, Dubrovnik‐Neretva, Krapina‐Zagorje, Koprivnica‐Krizevci, Primorje‐Gorski Kotar, Virovitica‐Podravina, Slavonia‐Pozega, Karlovac, Varazdin*, Zagrebacka county (NEW!) and Zadar.
Cyprus Six municipalities had declared themselves GMO‐free in 2005: Ayios Athanasios, Egkomi, Larnaca, Latsia, Strovolos and Yermasogeia. Four others are in the process of doing so in 2008.
Finland There are about 30 GMO free farms registered and the Uusimaa province of the Farmer's Union. These municipalities have restrictions in using GM food in municipalities´ cafeterias and in growing GM varieties on municipality's fields: Espoo, Loppi, Pernaja, Kivijärvi, Saarijärvi, Keuruu, Järvenpää, Kerava, Mäntsälä, Nurmijärvi, Pornainen and Tuusula.
France: 16 Regions: Aquitaine*, Auvergne (Auvergne’s council signed this document : http://www.infogm.org/IMG/pdf/VoeuAuvergne_110604.pdf), Basse‐Normandie*, Bourgogne*, Bretagne*, Centre*, Corse*, Franche‐Comté*, Haute Normandie*, Ile de France*, Languedoc‐ Roussillon* (http://www.lesecologistes‐crlr.org/IMG/pdf/CR_25_av_06_‐ _Charte_de_Florence.pdf), Lorraine*, Limousin*, Midi‐Pyrennées*, Nord‐pas‐de‐Calais*, Pays‐ de‐la‐Loire*, Picardie (Picardie signed this document : http://www.infogm.org/IMG/pdf/VoeuPicardie_280504.pdf), Poitou‐Charentes*, Provence Alpes‐Cote D'Azur, Rhône‐Alpes*.
6 Départements: Alpes de Haute Provence, Gers, Cote D'or, Dordogne, Creuse, Pyrénées Orientale, Vendée. More than 1250 majors have issued declarations of GMO‐free status of their municipality.
Germany In Germany more 186 GMO‐free areas and initiatives have been set up by an alliance of 28.865 organic and conventional farmers. 165 municipalities do not allow the cultivation of GMOs on their land.
Greece: All 54 Greek prefectures have voted to declare their area GMO‐free, making Greece the first country (of now three) to be entirely covered by GMO‐free areas. Evros, Rodopi, Xanthi*, Kavala*, Drama*, Serres, Kilkis, Thessaloniki, Xalkididi, Pella, Imathia, Pieria, Florina, Kozani, Larissa, Magnissia, Kastoria, Grevena, Ioannina, Trikala, Karditsa, Corfu, Thesprotia, Preveza, Arta, Evrytania, Ethiotida, Evia, Lefkada, Aitolokarnania, Fokida, Viotia, Attica, Cefalonia, Zakynthios, Achaia, Corinthos, Elias, Arkadia, Argolida, Messinia, Lakonia, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kiklades, Dodekanissa, Chania, Rethimno, Iraklio, Lasithi,
Hungary Hungary has banned GM maize MON810 under Directive 18/2001, Article 23. Since 2005, there are two GMO‐free regions: Transdanubia and Western Transdanubia. 61 communities have declared themselves GMO‐free.
Ireland Eight counties, nine cities or towns, and more than 1,000 smaller areas have declared themselves to be GMO‐free zones on the island of Ireland.
The GMO‐free Counties are Cavan, Clare, Fermanagh, Kerry, Kildare, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon and Westmeath, together with the District of Newry and Mourne in counties Armagh and Down.
The GMO‐free cities and towns are Bantry, Bray, Clonakilty, Cork, Derry, Galway, Letterkenny, and Navan.
Italy 16 Regions: Abruzzo*, Basilicata, Campania, Emilia‐Romagna*, Friuli‐Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Lazio*, Liguria*, Marche*, Molise*, Piemonte*, Puglia, Sardegna*, Toscana*, Trentino Alto‐ Adige, Umbria*. (source: Genet+ GM Free Euroregions)
Additionally there are 27 GMO‐free provinces 2.446 municipalities in Italy have so far chosen to declare their territories GMO‐free. The combined area of those communities that have already signed a resolution against GMOs and those that recently have indicated to ban GMOs means that nearly 80% of Italy's territory is declared GMO‐free.
Luxemburg 74 municipalities (64 % of all municipalities in Luxemburg) forbid GMO cultures in the fields of their territory and GMO food in their canteens: Bascharage, Beckerich, Bettendorf, Betzdorf, Bissen, Bettembourg, Boevange sur Attert, Bourscheid, Bous, Clemency, Clervaux, Colmar‐Berg, Consdorf, Consthum, Contern, Diekirch, Differdange, Dudelange, Ell, Erpeldange , Ettelbrück, Ermsdorf , Esch‐sur‐Alzette, Esch‐sur‐Sûre, Feulen, Grevenmacher, Goesdorf, Grosbous, Heiderscheid , Heinerscheid, Hesperange, Hobscheid, Hoscheid, Junglinster, Kehlen, Kiischpelt, Koerich, Lac de la Haute‐Sûre , Lorentzweiler, Mamer, Medernach, Mertzig, Mersch, Mondercange, Munshausen, Neunhausen, Niederanven, Nommern, Petange, Préizerdaul, Putscheid, Rambrouch, Redange, Remich, Roeser, Rumelange, Saeul, Sandweiler, Sanem, Schengen, Schieren, Schifflange, Schuttrange, Septfontaines, Steinfort, Steinsel, Tandel, Troisvierges, Useldange, Vianden, Walferdange, Weiler‐la‐Tour, Wiltz, Wincrange. 189 farmers (10% of the farmers in Luxemburg) signed individual declarations
Macedonia The Municipalities of Veles, Ohrid and Caska became the first GMO free zones in Macedonia in respectively march 2006, November 2007 and January 2008. The network is currently working on to new Municipalities to be declared GMO free : Valandovo and Kavadarci.
Netherlands The local government of Culemborg declared itself GMO‐free. The municipality may not use gmo‐crops and there is a ban on the use of genetically manipulated crops and animals in agricultural areas.
Poland All 16 Polish regions have gone GMO free: Opole, Dolnoslaskie, Slaskie, Lodskie, Pomorskie, Mazowieckie, Malopolska, Podlaskie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Kujawsko‐Pomorskie, Wielkopolska, Lubelskie, Warminsko‐ Mazurskie, Swietokrzyskie, have all passed declarations. Plus over 300 GM‐free farms.
Portugal In Portugal two regions (the Algarve region and the Madeira islands) have declared themselves GMO‐free. Additionally, 27 municipalities all over Portugal have passed GMO‐free declarations: Alcochete, Alenquer, Aljezur, Amares, Arouca, Barreiro, Cadaval, Coimbra, Constância, Lagos, Loulé, Mértola, Moita, Monforte, Mora, Moura, Odemira, Ponte da Barca, Portimão, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Rio Maior, Salvaterra de Magos, Sintra, Soure, Terras de Bouro, Vila do Bispo and Vila Verde.
Romania Huedin county in the region of Cluj: one city (Huedin) and 13 communes (Mărgău, Beliş, Râşca, Mănăstireni, Măguri Răcătău, Mărişel, Poieni, Ciucea, Negreni, Săcuieu, Călățele, Sâncraiu and Izvoru Crişului) have declared themselves GMO Free Zone. Bistrita Nasaud County: 2 towns (Nasaud and Sangeorz‐Bai) and 24 communes (Chiochis, Chiuza, Cosbuc, Dumitra, Feldru, Ilva‐Mare, Ilva ‐ Mica, Lesu, Lunca ‐ Ilvei, Maieru, Magura ‐ Ilvei, Nimigea, Nuseni, Parva, Poiana Ilvei, Rebra, Rebrisoara, Rodna, Romuli, Runcu Salvei, Salva, Sant, Telciu, Zagra) have declared themselves as a GMO Free Zone
Russia In 2006, the Governor of Moscow signed an order to elaborate a law prohibiting usage of GMOs in meals for schools and kindergartens. In the document it is also said that food labeling regulation must be strictly implemented and that Moscow government stands for its tightening. Belgorod (Central European Russia), Volgograd (South), Ulyanovsk, Yekaterinburg, Kostroma and Ryazan are declared GMO free zone.
Slovakia 1 region: The Cross‐border region of Pannonien has declared itself GM‐free covering 10 Slovakian, 23 Austrian and 12 Hungarian municipalities.
Slovenia 79 GM free community councils with their date of commitment: Bohinj (29.5.08), Sevnica (13.5.08), Oplotnica (8.5.08), Pivka (2.4.08), Selnica ob Dravi (27.3.08), Muta (18.3.08), Radeče (20.12.), Trbovlje (17.12.), Ravne na Koroškem (28.11.), Dobrovnik (22.11.), Celje (20.11.), Gorenja vas ‐ Poljane (8.11.), Lendava (22.10.), Renče ‐ Vogrsko (22.10.), Apače (18.10.), Hrpelje ‐ Kozina (18.10), Postojna (16.10.), Ajdovščina (12.10.), Hodoš (11.10.), Tržič (10.10.), Velenje (9.10.), Lukovica (8.10.), Sveti Jurij v Slovenskih Goricah (4.10.), Trebnje (3.10.), Bled (2.10.), Miren Kostanjevica (1.10.), Novo Mesto (27.9.), Hrastnik (27.9.), Sežana (27.9.), Loška dolina (27.9.), Kanal ob Soči (27.9.), Črnomelj (27.9.), Kranj (26.9.9), Kamnik (26.9.), Šoštanj (24.9.), Makole (18.9.), Vipava (13.9.), Kranjska Gora (12.9.), Mozirje (10.9.), Sodražica (6.9.), Rečica ob Savinji (26.7.), Šentjur (25.7.), Gornji Grad (19.7.), Koper (19.7.), Preddvor (19.7.), Krško (18.7), Trzin (16.7.), Kostel (13.7.), Luče (12.7.), Kostanjevica na Krki (12.7.), Tolmin (12.7), Brežice (9.7.), Zagorje ob Savi (9.7.), Zreče (7.7.), Metlika (5.7.), Polzela (5.7.), Vojnik (4.7.), Laško (4.7.), Bloke (4.7.), Dobrna (4.7.), Žalec (2.7.), Gornji Petrovci (29.6.), Rogašovci (29.6.), Žirovnica (29.6.), Lenart (28.6.), Cerknica (28.6.), Cerkno (28.6.), Radovljica (28.6.), Črna na Koroškem (27.6.), Rogaška Slatina (27.6.), Bovec (26.6.), Prevalje (21.6.), Tnovska vas (21.6.), Moravče (20.6.), Maribor (18.6.), Mirna peč (14.6.), Dobrepolje (5.6.), Komen (30.5.), Domžale (23.5.)
Spain Four regions (Asturias*, Basque Country*, Balearic Islands* and Canary Islands*) have declared themselves GMO‐free. The provinces of Málaga, Álava and Vizcaya. and 90 municipalities have declared themselves GMO‐free. We now claim that over 9 million Spaniards live in GMO‐free areas (of a population of 44 million people).
Switzerland GMO banned in Switzerland by moratorium (2005‐2010). For 5 years strictly no cultivation of GM crops (incl. no importation of GM seeds) and strictly no genetic modification to breed animals producing milk, meat, eggs, wool etc. Three cantons and two regions banned the commercial release of GMOs: Canton Ticino, Canton Jura‐North Vaudois, Canton Appenzell (in woodland areas), region Oberes Suhrental (AG) and region Wägital Municipalities: 84 municipalities have declared themselves GMO‐free: AG: Baldingen, Böbikon, Kirchleerau, Moosleerau, Reitnau, Rekingen, Rothrist, Wiliberg BE: Grafenried, Prêles, Rebévelier, Renan BL: Arlesheim, Binningen, Bottmingen, Ettingen, Münchenstein, Muttenz, Oberwil, Pfeffingen, Reinach, Therwil FR: Barberêche, Botterens, Broc, Courtepin‐Courtaman, Granges‐Paccot, Kleinbösingen, Morlon, Murist, Pont‐en‐Ogoz GE: Cologny GL: Betschwanden, Glarus, Haslen, Leuggelbach, Linthal, Luchsingen, Riedern, Rüti JU: Soyhières LU: Egolzwil, Horw, Kriens, Luzern, Meggen, Ufhusen, Wauwil NE: Cernier, Chézard‐St‐Martin, Engollon, Les Planchettes, Savagnier, Valangin SO: Brügglen, Dulliken, Hauenstein‐Ifenthal, Hüniken, Rohr b. Olten, Starrkirch‐Wil SZ: Gersau, Ingenbohl‐Brunnen, Innerthal, Tuggen, Vorderthal VD: Aclens, Bellerive, Bournens, Chavannes‐le‐Veyron, Colombier‐sur‐Morges, Cuarnens, Dizy, Ferreyres, Grens, L'Isle, Marchissy, Mauraz, Prahins, St‐George VS: Geschinen ( im Oberwallis), Isérables, Münster‐Geschinen, Riederalp ( im Oberwallis) ZG: Neuheim
Sweden Östersund is the first GMO free region in Sweden
UK The Welsh Assembly* and Highlands and Islands Region* have adopted a GM‐free policy. Three Councils in Scotland have declared themselves GMO‐free. 60 areas in England have declared themselves GMO‐free: 18 County councils (That count as European regions) 3 Scottish regions 9 Welsh county councils (or count Wales as one region)
England: County councils: Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Suffolk,
Unitary authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, Brighton and Hove City Council, Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire, York City Council, Bournemouth, East Riding of Yorkshire, Wokingham, Isle of Wight, Leeds, Medway,
Metropolitan districts Newcastle, Dudley Metropolitan Borough council, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
London boroughs: London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Havering
District councils: South Hams (Devon), South Somerset, Penwith (SW), Ryedale, Chesterfield, Wealden (E Sussex), Mid Devon, Weymouth, West Lindsey, Colchester, Gravesham, West Dorset, Lewes, North Dorset, NE Derbyshire, Scarborough Borough Council,
Town/Parish councils: Bridport (Dorset), Norton Radstock (within Bath & NE Somerset), Goole (East Yorkshire),Edenthorpe Parish Council,Corscombe, Halstock & District (Cornwall), Stickney (Lincolnshire),
Scotland: 3 regions: Highland Council West Lothian Moray
Wales: The devolved nation of Wales is a member of the Network of GMO‐free regions.
GMO‐free County Councils in Wales: Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire,Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire,Flintshire, Pembrokeshire,Powys,Swansea,
Community Councils Blaenhonddan, Brecon Town Council, Coedffranc Community Council, Glyn Ceiriog Community Council, Felinfach Community Council, Gorslas Community Council, Halkyn Community Council, Haverfordwest Town Council, Llanarthne Community Council, Llanbedrog Community Council, Llanddaniel‐Fab Community Council Llandegla Community Council, Llandyfaelog Community Council, Llangattock Vibon Avel Community Council, Llangernyw Community Council, Llangynwyd Middle Community Council, Llannefydd Community Council, Machynlleth Community Council, Magor with Undy Community Council, Milford Haven Town Council, Neyland Town Council, Porthmadog Town Council, Rhyl Town Council, St Davids City Council, Ystrad Fflur Community Council.