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420.757 signatures for regulation of new genetic engineering in agriculture

420.757 signatures for regulation of new genetic engineering in agriculture

GLOBAL 2000 and BIO AUSTRIA gave the federal government 420.757 signatures for maintaining regulation and labeling requirements from Neuer Genetic Engineering (NGT) handed over. The online petition was supported by a Europe-wide alliance of environmental, farmer and consumer associations, in Austria by GLOBAL 2000 and BIO AUSTRIA. With 420.757 signatures, the responsible ministers Johannes Rauch (consumer protection), Norbert Totschnig (agriculture) and Leonore Gewessler (environment) are asked to campaign at EU level against a relaxation of EU genetic engineering law. With the many signatures, the Austrian federal government has received a strong mandate to insist in Brussels on the retention of the current EU genetic engineering law laid down in the government program. 

Consumers want freedom of choice

“The EU Commission must end its dangerous thought experiment of softening EU genetic engineering law. Risk assessment and mandatory labeling must apply to new genetic engineering methods in the same way as to old genetic engineering. What is at stake here is the freedom of choice for farmers and consumers as well as the security of GMO-free agriculture and food production in Europe. The gateway for new genetic engineering must remain secured,” demands BIO AUSTRIA chairwoman Gertraud Grabmann. The support of the population is certain for the politicians in this matter. According to Trade association and GLOBAL 2000 survey by the end of August, 94 percent of Austrians are in favor of maintaining the labeling requirement for all genetically modified foods.

Austria's agriculture is GMO-free

Austria has been a pioneer in non-GMO and organic farming for 25 years. To keep it that way, 420.757 people have signed the Europe-wide petition “Strictly regulate and label new genetic engineering” signed. "So that we know what's on our plates in the future, we say: pickle on it! We advocate strict regulation and labeling of New Genetic Engineering in agriculture and also for more independent research on the environmental impact of New Genetic Engineering. The future lies in diverse agriculture and self-determined nutrition - which goes hand in hand with genuine climate and environmental protection Agnes Zauner, Managing Director of GLOBAL 2000

There is a lot at stake

Food produced using New Genetic Engineering (NGT) methods is still subject to the strict rules of EU genetic engineering law. However, the European Commission is planning to soften the existing EU genetic engineering law for agriculture and to deregulate it in favor of simplified approval. If chemical and seed companies have their way, plants and food that have been genetically modified using methods such as CRISPR/Cas could soon be approved without comprehensive risk assessment or labeling requirements. In 2022, the European Commission held a consultation on EU genetic engineering law, which many organizations criticized as biased, misleading and non-transparent.

What are the next steps?

A legislative proposal based on this for a potential deregulation of EU genetic engineering law is expected in spring 2023. It will have far-reaching implications for consumer choice, food safety, organic and conventional farming, and the environment. From summer 2023, the European Council and European Parliament will agree on their position on the new law. From 2024 or 2025, NGT plants could be cultivated and marketed in Europe – hidden from farmers and consumers. In the worst case, they could even be labeled as “sustainable” foods.

Photo / Video: Global 2000.

Written by Option

Option is an idealistic, fully independent and global social media platform on sustainability and civil society, founded in 2014 by Helmut Melzer. Together we show positive alternatives in all areas and support meaningful innovations and forward-looking ideas - constructive-critical, optimistic, down to earth. The option community is dedicated exclusively to relevant news and documents the significant progress made by our society.

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