15 May No genetic engineering through the back door!

Posted at 16:53h in Press by

Saarland MEP Manuela Ripa (ÖDP) calls for strict protection of GMO-free agriculture - Conference of Environment Ministers must send a clear signal

Orscholz, 15 May 2025 - As the environment ministers of the German federal states meet today in Orscholz, Saarland, for the Conference of Environment Ministers, the pressure on politicians is growing: the EU Commission's current proposal to deregulate new genetic engineering techniques (NGT) jeopardizes central principles of environmental, health and consumer protection.

Manuela Ripa, Member of the European Parliament for the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) from Saarland, warns against a creeping erosion of the EU precautionary principle:
"New genetic engineering must not be allowed to enter our agriculture and onto our plates through the back door! Anyone who allows genetically modified plants without independent, comprehensive risk assessment, without labeling and without traceability is actively depriving consumers of their freedom of choice. We need strong rules for the coexistence of genetically modified and GMO-free plants and further protective measures to ensure that seeds are not contaminated and that GMO-free food production remains possible in the future. The EU legislative proposal does not yet provide for this. Anyone who stands for healthy, transparent and organic food must now take a clear stance. The federal states must not duck away, but must send a strong signal," said Ripa.

The ÖDP politician therefore demands:

  • Consistent application of the EU precautionary principle also for new breeding techniques
  • The preservation of GMO-free agriculture and processing
  • Clear labeling and traceability of all genetically engineered products
  • Legally secure liability rules for contamination through genetic engineering
  • Effective coexistence regulations

"Trilogue negotiations between the Commission, the Parliament and the Council are currently underway in Brussels - it is therefore important that Germany, which is represented in the Council, takes responsibility now," emphasizes Ripa. "This requires a clear signal from the federal states. We need a clear 'no' to deregulation and a clear 'yes' to environmental, biodiversity and consumer protection."

Members of the ÖDP-Saar are on site in Orscholz today to demonstrate together with environmental and consumer organizations for strict rules on genetic engineering and for the preservation of the precautionary principle as part of a peaceful rally.