EU environmental committee is right for softening genetic engineering rules: criticism from the BUND for the environment and nature conservation
EU environmental committee is right for softening genetic engineering rules: criticism from the BUND for the environment and nature conservation
Today, the majority of the EU environmental committee voted for extensive deregulation of new genetic engineering and massive softening in the current genetic engineering law. The decision has met with broad criticism because it endangers the rights of consumers and the protection of the environment. Expert Pia Voelker from the BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) described the decision as frightening and called on the MPs to reject the plans. The coordination in the EU Parliament is pending in February and it is expected that there will be controversial discussions and intensive lobbying activities.
As a citizen of Berlin, I am concerned about the possible effects of this decision on local agriculture and the environment. In recent years, Berlin has established itself as the center for ecological agriculture and sustainable business. Many farms in and around Berlin rely on GMO -free production and biological cultivation. A softening of genetic engineering regulations at EU level could destroy the efforts and investments of these companies. In addition, this could undermine consumers' trust in sustainably produced foods.
The decision of the EU Environment Committee also comes at a time when Germany actively campaigns for the protection of the environment and the promotion of ecological agriculture. It is therefore particularly disappointing that the EU MPs vote in this direction.
The table below shows the distribution of the acreage for corn, soybeans and rapeseed in Germany. These crops are particularly affected by the decision of the EU Environment Committee.
acreage in Germany (in hectares)
| Field fruit | Capacitis |
| ————– | ————— |
| Cais | 2,237,000 |
| Soybeans | 104,000 |
| Rapeseed | 1,306,000 |
It is crucial that the Berlin citizens and the entire German population find out about the effects and background of this decision. It is now due to the deputies and political representatives to protect the interests of consumers and the environment and to stand up against the deregulation of genetic engineering.
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