Swiss parliament backs extension of GMO crop ban to 2021

Sage growing at Masserey farm

The Swiss parliament has approved a plan to extend the current moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture from 2017 to 2021. However, it wants nothing to do with cabinet proposals to create GMO zones in certain parts of the country after 2021.

A motion to extend it until 2025 was rejected.

Currently, the government only allows genetically modified crop field trials on a case-by-case basis under strict conditions. The plants have to be located in a covered area and monitored by the police to prevent vandalism by anti-GMO activists. They have to be planted at least 300 metres (984 feet) from other species to prevent cross-pollination.

In June 2016, the cabinet approved extending the moratorium until 2021 but included an amendment that envisaged the introduction of GMO zones in certain parts of the country after 2021.

The goal, it said, was to separate GMO crops from conventional agricultural throughout the production chain and secure greater acceptance for the coexistence of GMO and traditional agriculture in the country.

On [March 4], the Senate rejected this idea, with some members warning of the irrevocability of coexistence.

“You can lose your virginity only once,” said Hannes Germann from the conservative right Swiss People’s Party.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Parliament backs extension of GMO moratorium

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