According to information received by the European Commission so far, biotech companies have accepted all applications for national cultivation bans for GM crops, except those by Denmark, Luxembourg and Malta. [2">
“Over the past 20 years, GM technology has been adopted for few crops and by few countries. Therefore, it is no surprise that two thirds of the countries in Europe have decided not to support GM cultivation. Where GM crops are grown, an increase in the use of pesticides is noticed. GM crops reinforce industrial agriculture, which in turn exacerbates problems such as hunger, malnutrition, and climate change”, says Franziska Achterberg, Greenpeace EU food policy director.
About 85% of the GM crops in the world are grown in only four countries – the US, Brazil, Argentina and Canada – together they represent only 3% of the agricultural land worldwide [3">. The report “20 years of GMOs failures” highlights the main problems associated with GM crops, including:
GM crops increase the use of pesticides – most GM crops on the market are designed either to produce pesticides or to withstand spraying with certain herbicides. Pests and weeds develop resistance to these toxins, thus “super bugs” and “super weeds” are being created. As a result farmers are forced to use more chemicals.
GM crops do not feed the world – studies show that GM crops do not increase yields and can negatively affect the livelihood of small scale farmers. This constitutes a threat to food security.
There is no scientific consensus on the safety of GM crops – despite the efforts of the biotech industry to reassure consumers about the safety of GM crops, nearly 300 independent scientists dispute these claims. [4"> Genetic engineering still remains a risky technology, which can cause unexpected and irreversible effects to the environment and human health.
While GM crops are 'struggling' to justify the claims of the biotech industry, innovative sustainable agricultural methods offer real alternatives. Modern ecological agricultural practices are a proven and sustainable solution to the challenges agriculture is facing. They prevent soil erosion, enhance its fertility, protect water quality and biodiversity. Furthermore, scientific evidence indicates that the cultivation of a variety of crops and different types of one crop in an area is an extremely reliable practice to increase resilience against unpredictable weather changes. [5"> Such practices are a distinct characteristic of organic farming.
Similarly, modern biotechnology, such as selection using markers (MAS), can produce plants that are resistant to flooding, drought and disease. Compared with GM crops, they are less risky in terms of health safety. MAS is a quick way to provide new crops on the market [6">. However, such alternatives will continue to be ignored if we remain trapped in the genetically modified industrial agricultural system, comments Greenpeace.
Notes:
[1"> 20 years of GMOs failures. Greenpeace report. November 2015
[2"> The deadline for the last three countries expires today. The EC list of notifications for national bans can be found here (in English). The 19 European countries, which prohibit GM crops, represent more than two thirds of the population and farmland in the EU. Press release by Greenpeace regarding the national bans, October 1, 2015
[3"> Quist, DA, Heinemann, JA, Myhr, AI, Aslaksen, I. & Funtowicz, S., 2013. Ch. 19 in: European Environmental Agency (EEA), Late lessons from early warnings: science, precaution, innovation. EEA Report no 1/2013 pp. 490-517.
[4"> European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility, 297 Scientists' statement, December 2013.
[5"> Costanzo, A. & Bárberi, P. 2013. Agronomy for Sustainable Development: 1-22.
Denison, R. F. 2012. Darwinian Agriculture. Princeton University Press.
Di Falco, S. & Chavas, J.-P. 2008. Land Economics, 84: 83-96.
Diaz, S., Fargione, J., Chapin, FS & Tilman, D. 2006. PLoS Biology, 4: e277.
Chapin, FS, Zavaleta, ES, Eviner, VT, Naylor, RL, Vitousek, PM, Reynolds, HL, Hooper, D.
U., Lavorel, S., Sala, OE, Hobbie, SE, Mack, MC & Diaz, S. 2000. Nature, 405: 234-242.
[6"> Greenpeace report 'Smart Breeding: The Next Generation'.