New GMO Regulation: Effective Step Forward in Fight for Food Safety

The most important provision in the new regulation is that a member state can now ban the growing of any kind of GMO based on, for example, health, environmental or agricultural reasons, said György Hölvényi, MEP for the Christian Democrats, in his written remarks. Furthermore, the regulation now requires those member states that allow GMOs in agriculture to create protection zones at the borders to prevent infection in neighboring, non-GMO countries. The new regulation represents an outstanding success for Hungary, providing an EU-level guarantee to abide by the GMO-free agriculture principle that is laid down in the country’s Fundamental Law. Outstanding cooperation among Austria, Croatia and Hungary became a fundamental key to success on this issue, Hölvényi added.

MEP Norbert Erdős, member of the Committee on Agricultural and Rural Development (AGRI), emphasized that speedy implementation of the regulation is important to Hungarian farmers. The new system allows for the possibility of a complete GMO ban, offering a much safer and simpler solution than the previous one, which was based on a protective clause-based system. It offers more effective legal protection for Hungary at national or international courts, the EPP politician added.

“Many of us would have been happy to see more, stricter regulation. But we have to admit that within the given circumstances, a realistic compromise was achieved,” said Hölvényi. He emphasized that the main goal, the free choice of each member state, was achieved despite the resistance of those member states supporting GMO production. The next step would be scientific research on the long-term health effects of GMOs to strive for maximum protection for European consumers, according to the MEP.

GMO regulation shows that the protection of the environment is a European issue that cannot stop at national borders, the Christian Democratic politician emphasized. Respectful discussion among member states for and against GMO production must continue, but in the meantime necessary measures to prevent cross-border infections must be put in place and those parties responsible for damages must be held accountable, concluded Hölvényi.