European Commission to Rule on GM Status of New Breeding Techniques

Written by Tyler R. Etter

On October 22, 2015, the European Commission held a discussion on new techniques of crop breeding
that do not utilize the genes of different species unlike current genetic modification (GM). The delegates
agreed that clarification is needed on the legal framework of these techniques. Proponents aim for the
techniques to fall outside of GM classification, to further encourage and facilitate agricultural research
and innovation in Europe.

The discussed techniques included cisgenesis, intragenesis, and grafting. Cisgenesis has been deemed to
be closer to conventional breeding by the European Food Safety Authority. However, the European
Union (EU) currently holds the technique under the scope of existing legislation on GM.

The German delegation raised concerns about the potential effects of the interpretation of the EU GM
laws, spanning across concerns for research, development and production of medicines and vaccines,
competitive ability, the adoption of new techniques, and trade. Germany highlighted the potential need
for new systems to detect such modifications, and the need for health assessments on the safety of the
created products.

In response, Health and Consumers Commissioner Vytenis Andriukatis stated that an assessment is
underway, and is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2015.

Scotland Bans GMO Crops

By Tyler R. Etter

On August 9, 2015, Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced that Scotland would exercise the option to ban cultivation of GMO crops. The ban occurs by the Scottish government deciding to opt-out of European Union cultivation licenses, a power that came into effect for member nations in April.

The bans on cultivation are not restricted to a rationalization based on concern for public health or the environment. The list of reasons can include policy objectives, land use, town planning, and even ethical and socioeconomic concerns. Currently, there is only one EU approved GMO product, a corn variation. A second corn variation is expected to be approved soon, as well as five other GM products.

When speaking about the ban, Secretary Lochhead stated that “There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers…” Secretary Lochhead is concerned that GM crops would “damage our clean and green brand, thereby gambling with the future of our £14 billion food and drink sector.”

Scottish farmers are troubled by the ban, spearheaded by the National Farmers’ Union. Although they acknowledge that the corn products are not suited for Scottish agriculture, they are concerned about the possible future products that may be beneficial, such as GM potatoes that are resistant to blight. The Union is also disappointed from a science approach, stating that the cultivation ban will prevent the nation’s research centers from analyzing or potentially developing GM products useful for Scotland.