Controlled by the Green Party: Consumer advice center as a preliminary organization - experts criticize one-sided attitude towards genetic engineering

Controlled by the Green Party: Consumer advice center as a preliminary organization - experts criticize one-sided attitude towards genetic engineering

According to a report from www.cicero.de, the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) is taking ever more aggressive action against the EU Commission's considerations not to regulate new breeding techniques such as gene editing as genetic engineering. The vzbv is now viewed by the former mayor of Berlin, Ramona Pop, as a front organization for the green party. The Green Party fundamentally rejects green genetic engineering and tries to portray gene editing as a high-risk technology. It is argued that mutation breeding involves treating plant cells with radioactive radiation or chemicals, creating tens of thousands of random mutations. With gene editing, on the other hand, only a single mutation is created, at a precisely predetermined location. The treated plant immediately shows the desired properties. Studies have shown that gene editing could also benefit organic farming, as it could develop fungus- and insect-resistant varieties that no longer need to be treated with natural substances that are harmful to the environment and health. For consumers, this would mean a reduction in the use of pesticides in conventional farming and lower prices in organic farming. In addition, gene editing could be used to develop varieties adapted to climate change, which would lead to increased security of supply. Despite these potential advantages, gene editing is rejected by the vzbv and the green party. The vzbv has ordered a “report” from a mini-club in Munich that has been fighting against genetic engineering for years. According to the report, the opinion is a textbook example of pseudoscience and is not aimed at German consumers, but at the English-speaking EU bureaucracy. The question therefore arises as to whether this approach will remain without consequences.

The rejection of gene editing by the vzbv and the green party can have an impact on the market and consumers. The EU Commission is considering not regulating gene editing as genetic engineering and thereby making the use of this technology easier. If gene editing is classified as genetic engineering, strict regulations and approval processes could be required, which would lead to higher costs and longer development times for new varieties. This could have a negative impact on the crop and food market. It could become more difficult to develop new varieties that meet the demands of climate change and consumer demand for healthier and environmentally friendly products.

Additionally, consumers may not fully realize the benefits of gene editing if the technology is limited due to regulatory hurdles. Conventional farming may continue to rely on the use of pesticides and organic farming may not develop pesticide-free varieties, leading to higher costs and potentially higher prices for consumers. Security of supply could also be affected as varieties adapted to climate change may not be available in sufficient quantities.

It remains to be seen how the debate about gene editing and its regulation will develop. It will be important to consider the science and potential benefits of gene editing to make informed decisions for the benefit of consumers and the market.

Source: According to a report by www.cicero.de