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Greenpeace pressures major retailers regarding new genetic engineering
"New GMOs must remain regulated in the same way as old GMOs" is one of the core demands of the "Retailers' Resoultion", which is supported by a broad alliance ranging from European retailers Aldi, Lidl and Penny to Rewe, Globus and Tegut to Alnatura and Denn's Biomarkt. But not all the major supermarket chains have come on board yet.
Follow-up with Edeka, Kaufland, Metro and Lidl
Greenpeace therefore asked Edeka, Kaufland and Metro about their position on regulation or deregulation of new genetic engineering - and specifically whether they will still sign the resolution. Lidl is already a signatory in Germany and Austria. The company was asked whether it also supports the resolution internationally.
All support "Ohne Gentechnik" [Non-GMO] and freedom of choice
All those asked responded to the Greenpeace inquiry, and all emphasized that "Ohne Gentechnik" and freedom of choice are important issues for them. Edeka and Kaufland also referred to the position of the National Association of German Food Retailers (BVLH) on new genetic engineering, which they support explicitly.
Greenpeace calls for active commitment against deregulation
But for Greenpeace, this is not enough: "This is too little and helps neither consumers nor farmers who want to make a conscious decision against genetic engineering when buying or cultivating," says Dirk Zimmermann, genetic engineering expert for the environmental organisation, accusing Edeka, Kaufland and Metro of "ducking out". Whoever is serious about transparency and freedom of choice, says Zimmermann, must do more and also sign the resolution, because "passiveness will ultimately support the possible deregulation of new genetic engineering."
Greenpeace is also calling on the new German government to "resolutely" oppose the EU Commission's deregulation plans.
Greenpeace: Food retail sector takes mixed position on new genetic engineering (in German)