International Updates on Coexistence - November 2005
Europe
Switzerland votes for GM moratorium
Swiss voters have approved a five-year ban on the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country. A total of 56% of voters were in favour of the moratorium across all the country's 26 regions. The moratorium was supported by Swiss farmers, many of whom are considering moving into the organic farming business in response to moves to cut traditional agricultural subsidies. A similar proposal was rejected by Swiss voters in 2003.
European Commission clears Danish adventitious presence compensation scheme
The European Commission has authorised the Danish government to compensate farmers with conventional or organic production who suffer economic losses from the sale of crops which have been mixed with GM material. The compensation scheme allows farmers to receive aid equivalent to the price difference between crops that have to be labelled as containing GM materials, and conventional crops that do not. The farmers will only be paid if the amount of GM material in the crops sold exceeds the EU threshold for labelling of GM material of currently 0.9% and there is economic loss. The scheme is to be entirely funded by Danish growers of GM crops via an annual levy.
European Commission authorises import of Pioneer HiBred’s 1507 maize for use in animal feed
The European Commission has authorised imports of Pioneer HiBred’s 1507 GM maize for use as animal feed. It is the fourth new EU approval since the lifting of its de-facto GM moratorium last year. The maize is insect-resistant and herbicide glufosinate-ammonium tolerant, and has been authorised for 10 years. An authorisation for use as food is still under examination and is expected in early 2006.
USA
Sonoma voters reject GM moratorium
A proposed 10 year ban on planting and cultivating GM crops was rejected by voters in Sonoma County, California. With a turnout of 58%, the proposal lost 56% to 44%. Only three counties in the US, all in California, currently ban genetically altered crops.
Survey shows Americans still uninformed about GM
Americans' knowledge of GM foods and animals as well as animal cloning continues to remain low according to a survey completed by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. The survey suggests that Americans’ are particularly uncomfortable with animal cloning. It also shows that religious and ethical concerns play a significant role in consumer attitudes towards cloning, and that a significant majority of consumers believe that the government should include ethical and moral considerations when making regulatory decisions about cloning and GM animals. Despite continuing concerns about GM foods, consumers do not support banning new uses of the GM technology, but rather seek an active role from regulators to ensure that new products are safe.
First GM wine yeast released in US market
The world's first GM wine yeast has been released into the North American market. The new yeast variety, MLO1, was developed in France and is expected to save costs through faster and more reliable fermentation.
Australia
CSIRO pulls GM pea project
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has abandoned a project to develop transgenic insect-resistant peas, following the results of a risk assessment study that linked their consumption with lung inflammation in mice. Scientists had introduced a gene from beans to make the peas resistant to weevils, which can cause yield losses of up to 30% each year if left uncontrolled. The GM peas proved almost 100% resistant to pea weevil attacks, but caused an immune response in mice. The findings of the study emphasise the importance of case-by-case evaluation of GM plants and the important role science can play in decision-making around the introduction of GM crops.
Contact for Enquiries
Dr Sharon Adamson
Manager,
Innovation Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0618
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0741
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