May 30, 2008

Switzerland extends ban on GM crop until 2012

The Swiss federal government has voted to extend the country's ban on genetically modified (GM) crops for another three years beyond the expiry date on November 2010.

Switzerland officials said the ban would allow a national research programme to look into benefits and risks of GM crops.

The country has been apprehensive on the biological safety of GM plants and the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops.

The Swiss government imposed a moratorium on the commercial cultivation of GM crops in 2005, on the basis that there was no demand for them in Switzerland.

Shortly after the moratorium, the research programme was launched, which was expected to reach a conclusion around the middle of 2012.

However, the government announced last week that it must be allowed to take its course without political pressure.

Officials also pointed out that Swiss farmers have benefited from being able to market their produce on international markets as GM-free.