Subj: Recent action on genetic engineering
Date: 02-03-22 06:47:13 EST
From: [log in to unmask] (Laurel Hopwood)
Sender: [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
Reply-to: [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
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"I-SIS press release" <[log in to unmask]>
21 Mar 2002
Recent action on genetic engineering
This table summarises some of the recent efforts that demonstrate
worldwide concern about genetic engineering and its consequences for
health, farming and the environment, given the uncertainty over the safety
of the technology. Please be aware that the situation is constantly
changing and this only provides a snapshot of efforts that have been taken,
some of which are being currently challenged or may have been reversed. A
full summary of these postings and other actions, including concerns raised
from the full spectrum of society, is available at
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/globalconcernsummary.php . If you have any updates,
corrections or additional information, do send them on to us!
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>Lim Li Ching 21 March 2002
REGULATORY ACTION CITIZEN ACTION Bans/moratoria Legislation
Certification/Labelling
Brazil - Ban on planting and sale in force for past 3 years. The Brazilian
government is appealing this. One of a three-strong panel of federal judges
has already voted to overturn the injunction. A final decision will be
delayed until at least March 15
Mexico - Effective 7 February 2002, anyone who introduces, commercializes,
transports, stores, or releases into the environment any GMO that
negatively alters or could negatively alter natural ecosystems is liable to
punishment. The Mexican Congress has demanded that President Vicente Fox
ban import of GM corn.
China - All genetically altered soy beans, corn, rapeseed, cotton seed and
tomatoes are to be clearly labelled as GMO products after March 20.
However, the US has recently won concessions for an interim arrangement
that would allow trade to continue.
Scotland - Petition demanding immediate stop to GM crop trials taken to
the Scottish Parliament's Petitions Committee, signed by more than 4000.
Constant vigil has been held at Munlochy trial site. A public meeting was
also held in Newport, where there was overwhelming rejection for sowing GM
oilseed rape at Western Friarton. However, approval for 3 more field trials
has been recently given. EU - De facto moratorium on granting marketing
consents in place since 1998. However, these may be 'progressively
unblocked' when new biotech rules take effect in Oct. 2002. EU - Will
introduce Regulation that will implement Biosafety Protocol in EU
legislation.
Philippines - Companies that import agricultural products will soon be
required to issue certification stating whether or not they contain GMOs,
as part of a new set of guidelines covering GMOs to be issued soon.
England - Direct action following a public meeting and march. Nearly 100
protesters ripped up parts of a field of GM oilseed rape in the village of
Long Marston. 5 were arrested.
Thailand - Banned 37 GM crops from entering the country except for
scientific research. The Cabinet last year also forbid field tests of GM
crops until the country has a biosafety law.
Croatia - Drafting legislation to ban production and limit imports of food
containing GMOs.
South Korea - Food products containing more than 3% GMOs must be labelled
as containing GMOs. Will also require Chinese exporters to provide non-GMO
certificates.
USA - Residents of 28 Vermont towns passed resolutions opposing GE food
and crops by voting at annual town meetings. Eight towns took steps toward
ending the use of GE crops within their towns, some through town moratoria.
Sri Lanka - Interim ban on GM foods, meant to come into force 1 May 2001
is now indefinitely suspended. There are calls to re-impose the ban.
Canada - Efforts ongoing to agree voluntary standard for labelling GM
food. Debate still ongoing on whether labelling should be voluntary or
mandatory.
Mexico - 400 representatives of NGOs, environmentalists, social activists,
academics and Indian authorities gathered in late Jan. under the banner
"The Defence of Maize" to formulate strategy on transgenic pollution of
native maize, including demands that the govt. shut the border to U.S./
Canadian maize.
Australia - 30 local councils banned GM crop trials, but this is not
legally enforceable. Tasmania has introduced a 2-year moratorium.
Italy - Says it will not tolerate the accidental contamination of seeds
with genetic material ('zero tolerance').
Brazil - Campaign for a GM-free Brazil on-going, to fight federal
government's efforts to appeal against a 3-year old injunction forbidding
planting and sale of GMOs.
Philippines (Barangay Alinguigan 2nd) - Local council moratorium on GM
field trials.
Philippines - Peasants and scientists held a forum with legislators,
urging support of Bills that would prohibit field testing and entry and
distribution of GMOs in the country, as well as mandatory labelling of GMO
products.
USA - Eight towns in Vermont either declared a town moratorium or urged
that the planting of GE seeds be actively discouraged within the town.
South Africa - Food and Allied Workers' Union (Fawu) threatened to strike
if talks with the National Economic, Development and Labour Council
(Nedlac) to ban GM for five years fail.
South Korea - Local environmentalists held a rally demanding US trade
officials stop pressuring South Korea to ease its regulations on GMOs.
Aotearoa/New Zealand - Thousands pledged to stop GE field trials approved
by the government in Oct. 2001. National Maori Hui on GE urged all Maori to
protest against GE.
This article can be found on the I-SIS website at
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/globalconcern.php
The Institute of Science in Society <http://www.i-sis.org.uk>
www.i-sis.org.uk
PO Box 32097,
London NW1 OXR
Tel: 44-20-8731-7714
44-20-7383-3376
44-20-7272-5636
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