Changed genetic material
Majority of the EU countries for loosening genetic engineering rules
Will fruit and vegetable varieties become larger, more resistant and nutrient-rich in the future? For this purpose, plants should be more genetically changed. But there are still hard fronts.
A majority of the EU countries have spoken out for less strict genetic engineering rules. Representatives of the EU countries in Brussels gave their consent to a corresponding compromise, as the Polish Presidency announced. The European Parliament must also agree to the project. Negotiations on a final compromise can now begin with the MPs.
The EU Commission proposed the relaxation in the summer of 2023. In essence, it is about reducing hurdles for research and selling genetically modified plants. Part of the proposal therefore provides for loosening labeling obligations.
Then the supermarket does not have to be specified if plants that have been changed with certain genetic engineering methods are used for or as food. It is about changes that could have been achieved by natural breeds. According to the information, individual EU countries could prohibit the cultivation of more changed plants after the compromise that has now been found – in contrast to the original commission proposal.
Critics criticize less transparency and few opportunities for consumers to make a conscious purchase decision. The labeling of products in which genetic engineering use is specified on the packaging have so far deterred consumers. According to the 2024 Forsa Nutritional Report, 64 percent of those surveyed stated that they were very important to refer to genetic engineering-free food. However, ten years ago it was 83 percent.
There is also fear that organic farming could be weakened by the new rules, while large corporations could have more influence on the food industry through patents. Environmental organizations criticized the positioning of the EU countries and demands that they were to maintain stricter rules.
Proponents of the loosening, on the other hand, see great potential in changed fruit and vegetables. It is about allergen -free peanuts, plants that better cope with the consequences of climate change or provide more yield and nutrients. Numerous scientists support the new genetic engineering processes and appreciate health risks as unlikely.
Position of the new federal government unclear
The old federal government, with the participation of the Greens, had always refused to agree to the relaxation and pushed for more transparency for consumers. The still acting Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) said: “We need real freedom of choice for everyone – from the field to supermarket shelf.” Germany did not agree to the proposal. How a new federal government positions itself on the project is still open.
dpa
Source: Stern
