Estonia`s first scandal over GM products erupted late last month when it was revealed that unauthorised GM maize seeds had been sold to local farmers.Daily newspaper Aripaev alleged that a company connected to ex-Minister of Agriculture Jaanus Marrandi had sold about 500 tonnes of imported GM maize seeds to Estonian farmers this year without informing them of the seeds' true nature.The farmers were either about to plant the seeds in the next few weeks or had already done so, according to reports. Many farmers said the maize harvested was to be used to feed cows whose milk is supplied to local dairies.The Ministry of Env said no comment would be made until an investigation into the case had been completed. However, officials confirmed that the maize seeds sold to the farmers were GM.The investigation is not over yet, but we recommend that farmers who bought this GM maize do not sow it until we have reached a final decision,the ministry said.AgraFood East Europe,June 2003