The French authorities have, on Monday the 20th, asked the  European Commission to suspend the authorization for cultivation of MON810.  The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing released a statement last Monday. The government made public their opposition to the cultivation of MON810 on the 28th of November 2011 last year, and have asked the European Commission to suspend the authorization of cultivation of MON 810 maize seeds. This request is based on the latest scientific studies, including an EFSA opinion of December 2011, and studies showing that the cultivation of this maize poses significant risks to the environment.