Five-year GM ban on way for Switzerland

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http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2 & ObjectID=10357506

 

 

Five-year GM ban on way for Switzerland

 

29.11.05

 

ZURICH - Switzerland has voted in favour of a five-year ban on the use

of genetically modified plants and animals in farming, putting in

place some of the toughest measures in Europe.

 

The move will force the Government to impose a blanket ban on the

cultivation of so-called GM crops and the import of animals whose

genes have been modified in the laboratory.

 

The moratorium does not apply to research into GM nor does it stop the

import of GM food, but its supporters say the victory is a clear

signal that the Swiss want GM-free produce.

 

" All the farmers' organisations were behind this proposal which they

see as a chance for Swiss agriculture, " said Daniel Ammann of the

coalition of GM crop opponents.

 

" Swiss farming was already very ecologically sound and

animal-friendly, and farmers are convinced now that with the added

label of 'GM-free', they will be able to emphasise the quality of

Swiss produce, " he said.

 

Results of the referendum showed that 55 per cent of voters accepted

the proposal to impose a five-year moratorium.

 

- REUTERS