Cultivation figures for genetically engineered crops in the United States (source: www.isaaa.org)
Health Impact News
A German group supplied a critical review of the commercial genetically modified agricultural program at the beginning of 2013. Most Europeans have been very cautious and skeptical of genetically modified crops from the U.S., and there is very limited production of GM crops in Europe.
This report is a critical assessment of the 30 year history of GM crops in the U.S. It was prepared for Martin Häusling, a member of the European Parliment, and an English translation of the report is available. Here is the report’s summary:
Summary
Today in Berlin a new report was published presenting a critical assessment of the consequences of the commercial cultivation of genetically engineered plants in the US. The first genetically engineered plants were created 30 years ago in Europe and the US. Commercial growing in the USA began almost 20 years ago, but in the EU, acceptance of these crops is much lower. Nevertheless, companies are asking for further authorisations for cultivation, including in the EU. In the light of this development, past experience in the USA was assessed and recommendations made for the future handling of this technology in the EU. Some of the principal findings are:
Consequences for farmers
Because the weeds have adapted to the cultivation of the genetically engineered plants, farmers are experiencing a substantial increase in both working hours and the amounts of herbicide they require. Cultivation of insecticide-producing plants have led to “an arms race in the field” against the pest insects, which have adapted quickly. Genetically engineered plants have been created to produce up to six different toxins. Costs for seeds have increased dramatically, without there being a substantial increase in yields or significant savings in the amounts of spray required.
Impact on the seed market
The seed industry in the USA is largely dominated by agrochemical industries such as Monsanto, Dupont and Syngenta. In future, it has to be expected that developments in the USA will be strongly influenced by the interests of agro-chemical companies pushing for the cultivation of genetically engineered plants.
Consequences for producers who avoid genetically engineered crops
Contamination with non-authorised genetically engineered plants has already caused billions of dollars worth of damage in the USA.
Consequences for consumers
Consumers are exposed to a whole range of risks regarding unintended substances from plant metabolism, from residues from complementary herbicides and from the properties of additional proteins produced in the plants. As yet, there is no way of monitoring the actual effects that consumption of these products might have.
Effects on the environment
The cultivation of genetically engineered plants is closely associated with a substantial increase in the amounts of herbicide required. In addition, there is also an increase in environmental exposure to certain insecticides. In particular, the cultivation of herbicide-resistant plants leads to a reduction in biodiversity. Genetically engineered rapeseed has already managed to escape from the fields into the environment from where it cannot be withdrawn, and from where it evades any adequate control.
Here are the recommendations the from the report:
Recommendations
1. Refrain from commercial cultivation of herbicide resistant or insecticide-producing plants in the EU.
2. The question of whether plants can be withdrawn again once released should be crucial when
considering applications for commercial cultivation.
3. Implement preventative measures to protect seeds from contamination to secure long-term nongenetically
engineered production.
4. Substantially raise the standard of requirements for risk assessment.
5. Intensify monitoring of long-term effects on health and the environment.
6. Press ahead with the labelling of products derived from animals fed with genetically engineered
plants to enable a stronger differentiation of the markets.
7. Set effective limits to the patenting of seeds.
8. Encourage more research into alternatives in conventional breeding.
These recommendations are almost diametrically opposite of what U.S. lawmakers are considering, where a current rider to a bill in the U.S. Congress would allow GM Seed companies to plant new crops of GM seeds even if there is an existing lawsuit in the courts challenging their legality and safety. (Article Here.)