News

Vote on genetic engineering: Yes to transparency – No to risk assessment and coexistence

A narrow majority in the European Parliament (EP) has voted in favour of the extensive abolition of coexistence regulations and risk assessment for genetic engineering in food. This is bad news for agriculture and the environment. At least new genetic engineering products are to remain labelled.

EU vote: Businesses call for preservation of GMO labelling

272 food businesses are calling on MEPs of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament to vote in favour of preserving labelling and freedom of choice for GM foods on 7 February 2024. The business initiative, which was only launched in January, is growing rapidly.

Green Week 2024: Important commitments to freedom of choice regarding GMOs

The German Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) and Peter Hauk (CDU), his regional counterpart from Baden-Württemberg, made an explicit commitment to maintaining freedom of choice for genetically modified food at the "Grüne Woche" [Green Week] 2024 in Berlin. VLOG used the trade fair for talks with politicians.

Pro GMO vote: MEPs should not be deterred

In the Environment Committee (ENVI) of the European Parliament (EP), a majority has expressed its opposition to labelling, risk assessment and coexistence regulations for most new genetically engineered plants. The EP can still vote differently. This is by no means a final decision.

Over 200 businesses demand freedom of choice for GMO in food

An additional 197 businesses in the German food industry have joined the initiative founded two weeks ago for the preservation of labelling and freedom of choice for genetically modified food. The addressee, Manfred Weber (CSU), rejected the company bosses' urgent request for dialogue before a vote in the European Parliament on 24 January 2024.

No GMO in seed samples in 2023 – future uncertain

For the second year in a row, the Germany-wide analyses carried out by the official testing agencies revealed no traces of genetic engineering in the seeds sampled. In order to guarantee absence of genetic engineering in the future, EU genetic engineering regulations must not be diluted.

German food businesses launch new initiative for freedom of choice regarding genetic engineering in food

Well-known personalities from the German food industry have today launched a new corporate initiative for the preservation of labeling and freedom of choice regarding genetically modified food.

The "Ohne GenTechnik" seal ennobles products

The "Ohne GenTechnik" (Non-GMO) seal has a positive influence on the perception of products labelled with it for the majority of consumers. This was the result of a recent VLOG survey.

No majority in favour of GMO deregulation among EU agriculture ministers

The Spanish EU Council Presidency has failed in its attempt to gain a sufficient majority of Member States in favour of genetic engineering deregulation in a rush job. This, at least, means a brief break in the debate.

Petitions, posters, protest emails: Resistance to deregulation escalates

The political process for the deregulation of genetic engineering is entering the hot phase. With Olaf Scholz posters, a demonstration slogan, online petitions and email campaigns with tens of thousands of participants, the protest against it is also getting louder and louder.

Özdemir does not want to vote in favour of GMO deregulation

German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir does not want to vote in favour of the EU Commission's current plans to deregulate genetic engineering in an upcoming vote. This is a good signal, even if it is by no means the final decision.

Major retailers in favour of clear GMO regulations and stable food prices

In a joint open letter, food retailers from Germany and Austria have appealed to the EU Commission and the European Parliament to secure freedom of choice, "Ohne Gentechnik" (Non GMO) and organic farming and stable food prices in the planned GMO re-regulation.