Ripa: "The precautionary principle must not be undermined!"

(Brussels/06.07.2023) If the EU Commission has its way, the strict rules for genetically modified plants in Europe will be significantly softened in future. The Commission's amendment proposal envisages that plants produced using new methods will no longer be subject to the strict genetic engineering regulations, but will be able to undergo a simpler approval process, similar to that for plants from conventional breeding methods. This would also include genetically modified plants produced using Crispr/Cas gene scissors.

MEP Manuela Ripa from the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) sharply criticizes the planned changes. In particular, the plan that food from plants that were produced using gene scissors and contain a maximum of 20 genetic modifications no longer has to be labeled is unacceptable. "The elimination of the obligation to provide information on packaging is unacceptable. Many people reject genetic engineering for ethical reasons. It must therefore be ensured that the packaging continues to state what is in it. I also reject the fact that there will no longer be any risk assessment for the cultivation of genetically modified crops in future.

The ÖDP politician fears that deregulation would increase the power of large companies. "A few corporations will be able to breed resistant, high-yielding and easy-to-process varieties using genetic scissors, which will then dominate the market. This will lead to higher seed prices, less innovation in seed breeding and less availability, diversity and choice of seeds," the MEP is convinced.

Manuela Ripa emphasizes that the high expectations of genetic engineering have not yet been fulfilled. In the past, companies had already developed insect-resistant plants using genetic engineering. However, after a short time, the pests developed resistance to the upgraded plant defenses. The risks of genetic engineering would therefore far outweigh the benefits. "The precautionary principle must not be undermined," warns Manuela Ripa.

Instead, the MEP suggests increasing plant health by expanding organic farming. "Varied crop rotations, adapted fertilization, a suitable choice of varieties, promotion and protection of beneficial organisms are much more sustainable than the massive use of pesticides or genetic engineering," explains the ÖDP politician.

"As the dangers of genetically modified plants have not been sufficiently researched, I will stand up together with my group against the planned changes,"concluded the MEP.