Biotech Updates

Switzerland to Extend GMO Ban

May 23, 2008

Switzerland plans to prolong the moratorium on growing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for three more years, or until the outcome of a National Research Program (NRP59) on the benefits and risks of GM plants is obtained. The program, established after the adoption of the current moratorium in 2005, is expected to yield results by mid 2012. The ban on the market placement of GM animals and cultivation of transgenic plants will expire, unless further action is taken, in November 2010.

According to the article published by GMO Compass, since the Swiss government has been doubtful on the use of biotech crops from the start, only on the basis of the results of NRP59 would it be possible to institute new regulations for the growing of GM crops in the country. The government sees no reason to lift the ban at all, “since it has caused no problems in agriculture, in research or in international relations”.

The complete article is available at http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/361.docu.html