Reuters lands exclusive coverage on EU plan to overhaul GM crop system

Reuters had exclusive coverage on June 4 of the European Union’s plans to radically overhaul the approval process for genetically modified crops, a milestone that could boost output in Europe and open new European markets to biotech companies. Shares in Syngenta rose after the news, although they later fell back. The story was accompanied by factboxes and a snap analysis showing how the new policy could lead to an increase in output even though a rush to biotech seeds may not follow. Analysts said the new policy could boost GM trade in countries such as Spain, a major importer, and imports of GM products could increase, notably from the United States. Rivals eventually matched the story, but were able to do so only hours later.