Landowners lobby Commission for code of conduct on agriculture biotechnology

By Leen Van Parys

Date: 09/09/04

GENETICALLY modified organisms (GMOs) have long been a subject of emotional debate in Europe. Now the European Landowners' Organization (ELO) is weighing in, calling for the European Commission to develop an ethical code on the use of GMOs so as to win the support of environmental lobbies, industry and national member states.

The ELO represents the interests of landowners, not always identical with those of the farmers who rent the land. The ELO's membership stretches across 27 European countries. It wants a liberal, tolerant environment, which allows the development of GM-farming, albeit under tight conditions.

"Agriculture biotechnology offers a lot of opportunities in terms of health, environment, research and economic impact," says Thierry de l'Escaille, ELO secretary-general.

De l'Escaille believes that the whole debate on GMOs has been "totally mismanaged". There has hardly been room to discuss the scientific and technical aspects of GM crops, he says. "Building on the experiences of seven million farmers worldwide and the Spanish farmers growing GM crops, we know the cultivation does improve profitability and enables farmers to meet environmental sustainability goals."

He cites reduced nitrates pollution and reduced soil erosion as advantages that flow from GM cultivation not needing the same quantities of pesticide or tillage.

Additionally, he points out that several crops have been developed that are proven to be beneficial to human health. "As long as we cannot grow these products, it will be hard to convince the public about the benefits," de l'Escaille says.

He wants a pragmatic approach. "We do not need blue grapefruits. We need an ethical code on the use of GM crops. GMOs will never be generally accepted if we do not have a code of conduct. I believe the European Commission should take the initiative to install a working group discussing the pros and cons of GMOs. I do not see why we should not be able to agree on the rules for growing GM crops." He suggests some conditions: GM crops have to be thoroughly tested, they should not have any negative effects on health and the environment, there should be technical advantages for producers and there should be consumer acceptance.

The code of conduct could also address the issue of cross-pollination by introducing buffer zones planted with non-GM plants to prevent pollen moving to neighbouring fields.

"The problem today is that we cannot even grow GM crops. How can we prove the benefits, how can we address problems if GM fields are being destroyed? So let's all sit around the table and discuss an ethical code," de l'Escaille adds.

Himself a producer of GM-free vegetables and grains, he does not believe that GM production will ever replace traditional farming in Europe. "Environmental farms and commercial farms both have to exist. At least, farmers should have the freedom to grow or not to grow GM plants. Environmental farms have to exist because they are creating buffer zones. Commercial GM farms are favouring the creation of environmental farms by their higher production per hectare and a reduction in soil erosion. Commercial farms in future will become real hi-tech, almost industrial, production sites. It is up to farmers and landowners to assess the pros and cons of GM technology on their land."

De l'Escaille believes that the introduction of the EU law on labelling and traceability of GMOs will help give consumers choice as to whether to eat GM-food. "I am really interested to see the results of the introduction of this directive. Lots of people will be stupefied to see that much of the food they are eating already contains GM ingredients and they will realize that they did not die by eating it."

A new, pragmatic attitude towards GMOs will not be for tomorrow. "It will take time, but we have to stop demonizing GM crops. It is time to recognize the benefits. We are living in an evolving society. We cannot stay stuck in the present situation."

• Leen Van Parys is a Brussels-based freelance journalist.

The European Landowners' Organization (ELO) has called for an EU-wide ethical code on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

European Landowners' Organization: Homepage http://www.elo.org

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