On Wednesday, the European Union Commission presented new plans to tackle genetic engineering in agriculture. As evidenced by the drafts that have become known, it is likely that the Brussels authorities will propose a significant relaxation of the existing rules. This will make it easier to use methods such as Crispr/Cas gene scissors. The aim of deregulation is, among other things, to speed up the cultivation of plants that are more resistant to water shortages or pests.
Scientists have been pushing for a relaxation of the EU’s strict rules on so-called green genetic engineering for some time. On the contrary, the plans already announced have led to harsh criticism from, for example, Austrian NGOs. Critics fear that big corporations could gain more control over food production. In addition, consumer advocates fear that citizens of the future will no longer be able to make a conscious decision against food that has been modified by new genetic engineering methods. Neither the European Commission nor the researchers see more risks to human health from deregulation than planned. EU countries and the European Parliament have yet to discuss the proposals and reach a compromise.
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