The European Union has just taken a step towards the deregulation of the new genomic techniques used for the reproduction of agricultural plants. The agrochemical sector argues that these are essential to guarantee the future of food production, but many remain skeptical.
At the end of the 20th century, they were introduced into genetic seeds of different species, giving rise to genetically modified organisms known as OMG. The objective of technology is to develop more resistant plant lines and increase productivity.
Approximately two decades ago, the European Union has implemented rigorous rules on authorization, labeling and risk assessment, but now it has proposed the deregulation of new genomic techniques, which modify genetic genes itself.
“The European Commission has decided to create two categories: one for the products of these new techniques and another for the old ones, which will continue to be subject to the current rules. However, some people think that these new types of OGM imply the same risks as unpredictable in the environment,” explains Robert Hodgson, who covers the problem for Euronews.
It is likely that controversy will emerge again, because this month the governments of the 27 Member States have agreed the proposal and the ministers will now have to reach a consensus with the European Parliament, which has a different position on delicate issues such as patents and labeling.
On a brief trip in several cities, Euronews compiled some opinions of Europeans. “I am not totally against. It would be important to do an exhaustive investigation to determine if it has side effects,” said a resident of Berlin.
“In recent decades there has been a great development of this technology and we still have no total control over it,” said another of Warsaw (Poland).
“It is absolutely necessary that they be labeled so that the consumer can have an option. Personally, he would not buy,” was the opinion of a passer -by in Lyon (France).
Biotechnology experts argue that these varieties of plants will be more droughts and pests and will need fertilizers. Health problems, such as allergies, are also being careful, for example, through low gluten cereals.
Critics point out the risks: alteration of pollinating insects, contamination of biological agricultural products, reduced access of small farmers to seeds and unforeseen effects on human health.
Will patents lead to the exclusion of small farmers?
The European Council was divided with respect to the authorization of patents, reflecting on the arguments that this could restrict the options available for farmers and create monopolies. It took almost a year to decide to authorize patents, provided that their specific communication requirements were met.
The position of the European Parliament is to completely prohibit patents, explained one of the shameless bombings of the legislative review.
“If some large international agrochemical groups have a seed monopoly, farmers will pay more, they will not be able to choose and, above all, we can no longer openly innovate in the varieties,” said Christophe Clergeau, Meo of the left of the French center.
Few Member States showed great interest in genetically modified crops, Spain being the exception. In many countries, these techniques have been prohibited, with governments to exercise their right to disagree, but this option can no longer exist for all categories.
“About ten years ago, this problem became a hot political potato and there was a great public opposition in Europe. Governments demanded a negative and granted it,” Hodgson explains, adding: “How plants in the new category will largely be equivalent to common natural plants, governments will no longer have the option of prohibiting their cultivation.”
The EU must be very cautious because “when we intervene in nature, we trigger waterfall changes that can endanger biodiversity,” says Clergeau Meo.
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Journalist: Isabel Marques da Silva
Content production: Pilar Montero López
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