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German Green Party in favour of regulation and labelling of new GMO
Compared to the draft, the wording on the issue of genetic engineering had already been specified and agreed upon in advance through a large number of amendments, so that there was no need for debate and individual votes on this issue at the party conference.
Greens stand by consumers, 'Ohne Gentechnik' [Non GMO] and Organic
"We are pleased that the Greens have made it absolutely clear that they stand on the side of consumers and the forward-looking 'Ohne Gentechnik' [Non GMO] and organic economy on the issue of genetic engineering and GMOs. Whatever the composition of the new federal government, the clear regulation of new genetic engineering as genetic engineering absolutely belongs in the coalition agreement," comments VLOG managing director Alexander Hissting.
Social Democrats and Left oppose genetic engineering, Liberals in favour, Conservatives possibly too
After the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Liberals (FDP), the Greens are the third relevant German party to have adopted and published their programme for the Bundestag elections. The SPD is much briefer than the Greens on the issue of genetic engineering, stating clearly: "We will continue to say no to genetically modified plants. The FDP sees "opportunities" for biodiversity and efficiency in new genetic engineering and advocates "openness to technology". The Conservatives (CDU/CSU) have not yet presented an election manifesto. However, according to statements made so far by well-known expert politicians, it seems likely that the CDU/CSU will also speak out in favour of deregulation of new genetic engineering.
The Left Party will adopt its election programme at a party conference at the end of June 2021. So far, the draft is the most broadly anti-genetic engineering of all parties - in it, the Left calls for a ban on the cultivation, trade and import of GMOs. New genetic engineering, however, has not been explicitly mentioned so far.
Genetic engineering, on the other hand, is given the most space by the Greens. Here you can read all the respective resolutions:
"Our guiding principle is a further developing ecological agriculture with its principles of animal justice, freedom from genetic engineering and freedom from chemical-synthetic pesticides.
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Diversity of seeds without patents
Diverse, fair and sustainable agriculture starts with seeds. In view of the climate and biodiversity crisis, we want to advance the breeding of robust varieties and research into organic seeds, as well as strengthen research into alternative approaches that rely on traditional and organic breeding methods. As with any technology, the handling of old and new genetic engineering methods must, on the one hand, guarantee the freedom of research and, on the other hand, exclude dangers to humans and the environment during application. The focus is not on the technology, but on its opportunities, risks and consequences. We will therefore adhere to a strict authorisation procedure and the precautionary principle anchored in European law. This requires risk assessments on a comprehensive scientific basis and regulation that excludes uncontrollable spread, as well as binding labelling that protects GMO-free production and consumers' freedom of choice. Accordingly, risk and detection research needs to be strengthened. We want to align patent law so that there are no more patents on living beings and their genetic material.
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In the case of interventions in nature, irresponsible risks, such as the manipulation or extinction of entire populations or species through genetic engineering methods, so-called gene drives, must be excluded."