GMO-free zone

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The term GMO-free zone means a spatial area that is or should be free of genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) in animal and / or plant breeding. It has appeared since the mid-1980s, when genetic engineering became more and more popular and triggered a broad political discussion for the first time. Since genetically modified seeds have been used and food produced with them has also been offered in Europe, it has been increasingly used by opponents of genetic manipulation.

The choice of words not only shows skepticism or resistance to a certain form of technology, but also makes it clear that we want to exclude this technology in our own sphere of power and design. The term “GMO-free zone” can therefore be found in the field of agriculture (organic farming and animal breeding) and the food trade. Here it means that no genetically modified seeds or feed or genetically modified foods are used or offered. In order to establish a GMO-free zone, farmers jointly sign contracts, so-called declarations of self-commitment, and thus forego the use of genetically modified organisms.

It has a more symbolic character when an association, for example a municipality, declares itself to be a “GMO-free zone” because there is no legal authority to do so. Exception: Municipalities, cities and churches, in their role as lessors, can prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms on their own land if a corresponding clause is added to the new leases or the extension of the lease agreements. The attempt by Upper Austria to declare itself a “GMO-free zone” through a “genetic engineering prohibition law” in 2003 failed due to the veto of the EU Commission. Eight of the nine Austrian federal states then passed so-called genetic engineering precautionary laws, the requirements of which are so strict that genetic engineering is largely avoided.

However, due to the uncontrollable spread and reproduction of genetically modified organisms, which are mainly released in agriculture, contamination by genetically modified feed can in fact never be ruled out. Since the first releases of genetically modified organisms, there are hardly any GMO-free zones in the world today. Therefore the term “GMO-free zone” is more of a program and criticism than a guarantee or a description of the condition.

Regional

  • There are currently more than 180 GMO-free zones and over 130 GMO-free communities and districts in Germany.
  • Since the genetic engineering referendum in April 1997, Austria has been largely a GM-free zone

See also

Web links