The European Commission’s proposal to deregulate the New Genetic Engineering (NGT) process received little support from Austrian consumers. This is confirmed by a recent study.
The legislative proposal on NGT presented by the European Commission in July clearly shows a relaxed approach in contrast to the strict rules with “old” gene technology. The Austrian ARGE Gentechnik-frei strongly opposes this deregulation.
Transparency, control and labelling
With the results of a survey, according to which 83.1 percent of the 1000 participants also support strict controls in NGT analogous to the “old” genetic manipulation, and a “white paper”, the association goes on the offensive.
The ARGE Gentechnik-frei, which has been campaigning for food produced without genetic engineering since the 1997 referendum on genetic engineering and which brings together retail members, food producers, organic farmers and environmental organizations under one roof, presented its clear rejection in a broadcast on Monday of the Austrian population against the EU plans emerging from research commissioned by Marketagent.
Only 37.9% have confidence in NGT’s products
Both the planned deregulation for the majority of new mutation methods – such as the use of the Crispr/Cas gene scissors – are clearly undesirable for 88.3 percent of the respondents. The European Commission’s proposal to abolish the labeling obligation met with even more rejection: 89.9 percent of the respondents want this to be reflected in NGT products, namely directly on the food or feed. On the other hand, only 37.9 percent expressed confidence in NGT products.
In an eight-page “white paper” on new genetic engineering, which was published at the same time, ARGE Gentechnik-frei summarizes the course of this approximately two-year discussion at EU level and identifies the points of criticism from the association’s point of view.
Liability issues unresolved
In summary, this means that, on the one hand, the EU’s proposal to classify NGT plants into two types is scientifically incomprehensible. In addition, “essential issues of liability, patenting and coexistence” remain unresolved, and last but not least, the polluter pays and the precautionary principles enshrined in the EU treaties would be overruled according to the corresponding broadcast.
Concerns about domestic organic farming
If the EU plans were to be implemented, organic farming and “Ohne Gentechnik” food production, which are particularly pronounced in Austria, would “come under great pressure due to a lack of transparency, traceability and lack of clear guidelines for coexistence in cultivation, transport and marketing,” warned the ARGE Gentechnik-frei. According to general director Florian Faber, the bill would destroy sustainable corporate values, as it was “massively influenced by the interests of the seed and biotech lobby” and a clear attack on two of the fastest growing quality segments in the European market, the “Ohne Gentechnik” and “organic” production.
These proposals have yet to be approved by the EU Council and the EU Parliament – neither of which should accept the proposal in this form, says Faber. However, according to the “White Paper”, the outcome of the negotiations is still uncertain: the Netherlands, Spain and Denmark are clear supporters, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia are clear opponents, and most Member States still lack a clear national position.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
