Genetics in agriculture, forestry and food science
Gene technology
is used to improve and develop our food as well as agriculture and
forestry. However, genetically modified organisms and products awaken
apprehension regarding their affect on people's health and the environment.
There are therefore laws that regulate the use and exposure of these
organisms. In the European Union there was a five-year moratorium on the approval of new genetically modified crops, which ended in
May 2004 when type Bt-11 corn was finally approved. Still, it is
so difficult getting approval of GM products in Europe that other
countries have complained to the WTO about a "de facto moratorium".
Also, there are national bans in particular European countries on
some GM products. The latest development is that The European
Food Safety Authority has published a report that is expected
to provide a basis, together with public surveys, for the future
decisions of the European Commission:
Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Impact
of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer
(SCNT) and their Offspring and Products Obtained from those Animals.
Basic regulations
See here the Directive 90/219/EEC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. EU has decided to approve the the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Most important is the Convention on biological diversity, which was followed by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Cartagena Protocol was created in 2000 to protect biodiversity from any potential harm posed by genetically modified (GM) organisms. The 50 participants signed the protocol in June 2003 and it went into effect 11 September. This protocol was signed by the EU but not by the USA. Drawing from the Cartagena Protocol, the European Parliament and council have also created through discussion Regulation No 1946/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms, which aims to secure safeguards with respect to risk-free transportation, manipulation and use of genetically modified organisms. Under the Convention there are also Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising out of their Utilization. The first comprehensive best practice standard and handbook that provides guidance and tools on the use of genetic resources under the Boon Guidelines is the ABS-Management Tool. It provides users and providers of genetic resources with a structured process for participating in — and making decisions about — negotiations and the implementation of agreements for access to and agreed use of genetic resources.
Areas of responsibility
There are often acts or ordinances in place, applying to various areas of responsibility. An authority regarding Agriculture might for example issue ordinances on the contained use of genetically modified plants and the deliberate planting exposure of genetically modified plants. Forestry is another area in which the deliberate planting and market release of genetically modified forest trees must be regulated. For food science researchers working with developing genetically altered foodstuffs, the following apply: Regulation No. 258/97 of the European Parliament and the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients, as well as Regulation No. 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and the Council on genetically modified food and feed. Additionally, Fisheries' might have regulations on genetically modified aquatic organisms.
Various statements
A large number of declarations and recommendations of various types have been issued. Following are a few examples: From the OECD we have Environmental Policies and Instruments. The European Science Foundation speaks out in its policy briefing no. 12 on genetically modified plants. From FAO we have the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
The worldwide network Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology has authored a declaration requiring a moratorium on the release of genetically modified organisms and the use of genetically modified foodstuffs. Greenpeace has a document titled Considerations Regarding the Co-existence of GMO, non-GMO and Organic Farming. It is also important to mention the Leipzig Declaration, accepted in 1996 by the International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources, which discusses the preservation and sustainable use of genetic plant resources for food and agriculture.
Last updated: 2010-01-02