Viewpoint: ‘Anti-science misconceptions’ challenge more aggressive embrace of GM and gene edited crops in Austria

Credit: Christopher Glanzl
Credit: Christopher Glanzl

40 or 50 years ago it was perfectly justified to have a certain skepticism about a technology that was completely new at the time. But we have known for at least twenty years that genetic engineering is a breeding tool that should be evaluated in the same way as any other breeding method. That is scientific consensus. Anyone who denies this is on par with climate change deniers or homeopathy sympathizers.

The fact that false claims about genetic engineering continue to circulate is probably because people have been drummed into it for decades. The media has been spreading such false claims for a long time without asking.

In addition, there is a longing for nature in us that would like us to believe that nature provides everything of its own accord and that we shouldn’t mess around with anything. If it’s organic, then it’s organic and super. As soon as genetic engineering is involved, it is perceived by many as unnatural. Then expressions such as “meddling with God” or “manipulating creation” are used. Critics consistently adhere to such manipulative framings.

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I am convinced that sooner or later we will use green genetic engineering in Austria just as it is already happening globally. Apart from that, we already use them anyway. Today almost all durum wheat varieties are mutagenesis breeds. This is genetic engineering by definition of EU legislation and yet allowed in organic farming without anyone getting upset.

[Editor’s note: This article has been translated from German and edited for clarity.]

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

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