March 13, 2003

The Swiss Parliament has given the green light to a new law regulating the use of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) in food production. The new legislation provides protection for Swiss farmers producing non-GM crops and guarantees consumers a choice.

On Thursday the Senate ironed out the remaining difficulties surrounding the draft legislation, which is expected to be rubber-stamped next Friday.

The new law allows for GMOs to be planted, while at the same time protecting non-GM crops from cross-fertilisation.

It seeks to allay fears by Swiss farmers that their crops could be contaminated by pollen from GM crops.

Senate approval came a day after Switzerland’s highest court stopped an outdoor trial of genetically modified wheat, which had been due to go ahead later this month.

The Federal Court said the environment ministry had not taken into account the opinions and concerns of those opposing the trial.

Conflicting signals

Wednesday’s court ruling was seen as a victory for GM opponents who had campaigned against the tests.

But Thursday’s vote has sent out a contrasting signal, heralding the end of Switzerland’s status as a GMO-free country.

It follows a decision by parliament to reject the imposition of a five-year moratorium on commercial GM production.

Marianne Künzle, a spokeswoman for Greenpeace, welcomed the fact that GMOs would be tightly regulated but cast doubt on whether cross-pollination could be prevented.

"I am not sure that this can be guaranteed in such a small country like Switzerland. I believe there will be problems," she said.

The new law is intended to protect humans, animals and the environment against abuses of gene technology and applies strict conditions to the propagation of GM crops for research and commercial purposes.

Field trials

Parliament said trials must first be conducted under closed conditions and only moved outdoors if results cannot be achieved. GMOs can be grown commercially as long as they don’t harm biodiversity.

Environmental campaign groups of more than ten years’ standing will be able to challenge decisions authorising the planting of GM crops.

All foodstuff containing GMOs must be clearly marked.

Although the new legislation allows for the planting of GM crops, it is not clear how many farmers will opt for modified plant strains.

Public resistance to genetic engineering remains strong and organic produce is very popular with consumers, accounting for two per cent of food sales.