After massive internal and public controversy the Italian government has passed a bill, which prohibits the planting of GMOs until the end of 2005 and requires that Regional co-existence laws be established by then as a prerequisite to legally grow GMOs in that region. Regions can as well prohibit the growing of GMOs if coexistence is not feasible. 13 of the country`s 20 regions, 27 provinces and nearly 1,500 towns and communities have proclaimed themselves "GMO-free zones" and they will be able to continue doing so.</p><p><a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1539&ncid=1539&e=7&u=/afp/20041111/sc_afp/italy_food_biotech_041111202039">AFP: Italy accepts biotech crops but allows regions to ban them</a></p><p><a href="http://www.gmwatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=4620">GMWATCH-Special report: tough coexistence bill passed despite Berlusconi and GM lobby</a></p><p><a href="http://www.greenplanet.net/Articolo6151.html">Greenplanet.net : Il decreto sulgi OGM</a>