Biotech Updates

Switzerland Extends Moratorium on GM Crops

February 19, 2010

Switzerland has extended its ban on the cultivation of genetically modified plants for another three years. The moratorium has been in place since 2005 and is due to expire on November 2010. A report by GMO Compass says that majority of the members of the Scientific Commission of the Swiss National Assembly were of the opinion that an extension would result in "no serious scientific disadvantage". Under certain conditions, field trials of GM plants for research purposes will be allowed despite the moratorium.

Swiss experts are awaiting the results of national research programs on the uses and risks of genetically modified plants. The results of these research programs are not expected until the middle of 2012.

The original story by GMO Compass is available at http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/488.docu.html