US agri-tech giant Monsanto says it will withdraw all requests it has in the pipeline to grow new types of genetically modified crops in the European Union, due to the lack of commercial prospects for the technology there.
Reuters reports Monsanto says the decision covers five approval requests to grow genetically modified maize, as well as applications for soybean and sugar beet.
However, the company says it will not withdraw its application to renew the approval for the only GMO crop currently cultivated commercially in Europe, a variety of genetically engineered maize.