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Genetically modified organisms: a
solution for the future?

Resolution 1795 (2011)1

1.       The
use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture
continues to be a topic of debate, and all the more so since
the issue is not dealt with in the same way from one country
to another.

2.       The
Parliamentary Assembly notes the diversity of approaches and
political and legal solutions, ranging from the American
approach based on "substantial equivalence" to the European
approach which hinges on the precautionary principle.

3.       The
Assembly also refers to the international standards and
treaties such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the
Codex Alimentarius and the Aarhus Convention, as well as its
own
Resolution 1419 (2005) on GMOs.

4.       The
introduction of GMOs may hinder the capacity of species to
adapt and may disrupt relations between them, modifying the
natural balance of ecosystems.

5.       GMOs
may also give rise to hazards in health, environmental and
economic terms. Consequently, it is important to properly
study the impact of the coexistence of different forms of
cultivation (GMOs, conventional, agrobiological).

6.
However, some experts stress that the development of GMOs and
genetically modified plants would help to develop competitive,
innovative and sustainable agriculture and protect the
environment. They also believe that GMOs could, to a certain
degree, help boost the green economy.

7.       The
Assembly nevertheless notes that there are numerous and
serious risks linked to GMOs in the farming and food sector
and draws attention to the need to use genetic engineering
technology responsibly and appropriately as a means of
increasing agricultural productivity in the world.

8.       The
Assembly is aware that many uncertainties remain as to the
consequences of the horizontal transfer, by viruses, of
genetic materials from GMO crops.

9.       At the
same time, it is clear that climate change is increasingly
threatening agricultural production owing to rising
temperatures, changes in rain cycles and more frequent
flooding and drought, and GMOs could, to a certain extent,
provide a means of combating famine and the food crisis.

10.
Consequently, the Assembly recommends that Council of Europe
member and non-member states:

10.1.
introduce regulations to define good agricultural practice
where the production and use of GMOs are concerned;

10.2.
establish documentary traceability, as prescribed in
European Directive (EC) No. 1830/2003;

10.3.
frame and harmonise policies in the fields of public
information, consultation and participation regarding the
future of GMOs;

10.4.
ban the cultivation of GMOs containing antibiotic-resistance
marker genes;

10.5.
conduct studies to clarify the impact of the possible
transfer of genes from genetically modified crops to human
beings;

10.6.
seek to systematically protect biodiversity, particularly in
protected natural areas;

10.7.
take the necessary steps to label products containing GMOs
or derived from animals fed with GMOs;

10.8.
ensure that all expert studies and appraisals concerning GMO
issues are performed completely independently and
transparently;

10.9.
ensure the effective independence of European and national
health evaluation agencies.

11.       The
Assembly also recommends that the European Union guarantee the
right of its member states to decide whether or not to
cultivate genetically modified plants and, if such
cultivations exist, to establish GMO-free zones.

1 Text adopted by the Standing
Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 11 March
2011 (see Doc. 12531,
report of the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and
Local and Regional Affairs, rapporteur: Mr Le Grand).

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