The Spanish Ministry for Environment, Rural Activities and Marine Environment has acknowledged the existence of a problem concerning farmers affected by the presence of genetically modified crops nearby conventional or organic ones.

Greenpeace Spain reported that at a meeting organized by the Ministry the following topic was discussed: "Coexistence of genetically modified maize with conventional and organic corn. The experiences of affected farmers."

Spanish public institutions hence recognized for the first time the damage that farmers are suffering from GM farming.

The ministry has not always been aware of these issues, so much that the general manager of the sustainable agricultural development program, Gesù Casas, acknowledged that companies like Monsanto are conducting "an ongoing lobbying work within the Ministry's offices." The general manager also added that "GMO contamination cases deserve outrage," but admitted that he had always voted in favor of genetically modified crops within the Interministerial Council on GMOs (Consejo Interministerial de OMG) although, he acknowledged, he does not master the topic.

During the meeting, officials from the Ministry defended their choices arguing that GMOs remain a viable option and that the government will not back down, Greenpeace reported.

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