Controversial GM crop trial approved

Christoph Sautter, head of the GM project at the Federal Insitute of Technology in Zurich Keystone

Scientists have received permission from the government to begin an outdoor trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat.

Greenpeace, which has led a two-year campaign against the trial, says it will appeal against the decision.

The environment agency green light allows the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich to begin field trials in Lindau, near Zurich.

The head of the agency, Philippe Roch, said the tests – at the centre of an intense legal battle for over a year – would be strictly controlled.

He described the risks associated with planting the crops as “acceptable”, while acknowledging that the agency did have serious doubts about the trials.

However, since parliament had approved laws regulating the use of GM organisms the trials had to be allowed, he said.

Appeal

The main arguments of opposition groups – which include farmers, consumer bodies and Greenpeace – centre around the potentially harmful effects on the soil and concerns that GM plants might cross-pollinate with other crops.

Greenpeace said it would appeal against “irresponsible” testing of GM crops, and accused the agency of giving in to pressure from research groups and industry.

But the Federal Institute of Technology welcomed the decision, saying it opened the way for GM research. It also praised the agency for what it called its competent and responsible handling of the issue.

A video camera will monitor the trials to ensure the crops are not sabotaged and address other safety concerns, the agency said.

To avoid cross-pollination, the plants are to be covered when they flower and measures will be taken to keep birds and rodents away from the crops.

Legal wrangling

The institute’s application to hold an outdoor trial has been in and out of the Swiss courts since it was submitted last December.

In March, following an appeal by Greenpeace, Switzerland’s Federal Court blocked the trial shortly before it was due to go ahead.

The decision overturned a ruling by the environment agency one month earlier.

Judges said the agency had not taken into account the opinions and concerns of those opposed to the tests.

The issue of GM plants remains a controversial one throughout Switzerland.

In September environmental groups, consumers and farmers stepped up pressure to introduce a moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Switzerland.

They handed in a petition signed by more than 120,000 people, calling for a nationwide vote on the issue.

The proposal calls for a five-year ban on GM plants for commercial and agricultural use.

swissinfo with agencies

Key facts

2001: the environment agency rejects the institutes request for outdoor trials of genetically modified wheat.
2002: the agency decides to permit the trials.
March 2003: the Federal Court overturns the agency’s decision.