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The organic sector’s appeal: Preserve EU genetic engineering regulations!

Clear framework for absence of genetic engineering also in the future

On the occasion of the BÖLW Annual Meeting, the organic sector called on the German government to support EU legislation on genetic engineering that will continue to provide a clear framework to protect from contamination GMO-free agriculture and food production, as well as the environment and biodiversity. The organic and conventional GMO-free agricultural and food businesses, and thus the vast majority of food businesses in the EU, stand for the production of and trade in high-quality food.

Organic and 'Ohne Gentechnik' (Non-GMO) align their efforts

"When it comes to GMO-free, organic and 'Ohne Gentechnik' are pulling in the same direction," comments VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting. "This EU Commission and the German Federal Government must take this unanimous appeal of the German organic sector very seriously. This also in view of their own organic goals. Deregulation is incompatible with organic and 'Ohne Gentechnik' quality products."

Millions of farms are at risk

In the organic sector, freedom from genetic engineering is even required by law throughout the EU. GMO-free products are a central pillar of the European agricultural and food sector and the basis for its success on the European internal market as well as on international markets, emphasises the BÖLW resolution. Consumer confidence in the quality of European food must not be betrayed by deregulation. This would endanger the survival of millions of farms and the companies cooperating with them in processing and trade.

BÖLW General Assembly reiterates demand for regulation of genetic engineering (in German)