Senate deciding future of GM crops in Switzerland

The growing of GM crops has long been hotly debated in Switzerland Keystone Archive

Parliament is discussing a law paving the way for the legalisation of genetically modified crops. The issue is widely expected to spark heated debates, but to all intents and purposes, the public has already made a decision.

The Senate is considering proposals to allow GM crops to be used commercially, and to be grown in Switzerland, provided they meet strict scientific and environmental conditions.

Opponents of the law, supported by farmers and environmental groups, want a five-year moratorium on the commercial use of GM plants.

But consumers have already made clear that they are resolutely opposed to GM products, and supermarkets have followed suit. Farmers have also joined the campaign and generally do not use animal feed derived from GM crops.

The national Farmers Association says Switzerland should stress its importance in both the domestic and European marketplace, as a GM-free producer.

Initially, the federal authorities also wanted a moratorium on GM crops, but they have since softened their position and now favour allowing such crops to be grown, provided they are tightly controlled.

A majority of the senators who are debating the issue appear to agree that GM crops should not be banned, provided producers observe a strict set of regulations.

It remains to be seen whether the House of Representatives, which is to debate the issue in the autumn, shares the senators’ views.

Philippe Roch, head of the Federal Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape, told swissinfo that the planned measures, allowing farmers to grow GM crops, would guarantee high safety standards.

The Senate is also considering a proposal for a five-year ban on growing GM crops. Supporters of such a moratorium argue that more research needs be done to understand the long-term risks associated with GM crops.

But even leading supporters of a moratorium are aware that it will be difficult to win a majority in the Senate. They said they were encouraged by discussions in the run-up to the debate and the growing public awareness of the advantages and dangers of GM crops.

Critics of genetic engineering appear to have public opinion on their side. A survey carried out last year showed 70 per cent of people in favour of a moratorium.

The Swiss branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature is campaigning for a moratorium and a tightening of controls. The environmental group has also threatened to challenge any attempts for a more liberal solution.

Less controversy is expected in the two-day debate in the Senate over genetically engineered livestock. Both sides have signalled that they will agree on a proposal to impose a 10-year ban on the commercial use of such animals.

In a nationwide in 1998, the Swiss turned down a proposal to restrict genetic engineering and outlaw the patenting of animals and plants.

swissinfo