GMOs, short for genetically-modified organisms, are the result of genetic engineering, where the intentional insertion or deletion of genes and alteration of genetic information (DNA) takes place. The GMO industry advertises GM crops as being the solution to world hunger and promises many other benefits for society. These promises are very doubtful, not least with regard to their underlying commercial interests.
GMOs are in stark contrast to the philosophy of organic farming, their consequences and side-effects highly dubious, and their introduction a potential threat to farmers’ rights for seed and farmers’ independence. Consequently, all organic regulations around the world prohibit the use of GMOs in organic products. If released into the environment and used in feed and food, GMO crops cause contamination problems in other fields and products. Organic farmers and the majority of conventional farmers demand that their right to stay GMO-free be implemented in EU legislation, and the IFOAM EU Group as representative of organic agriculture in Europe correspondingly strives for a GMO-free Europe. The IFOAM EU Group actively works for the maintenance of a GMO-free agriculture in Europe that safeguards and protects farmers from unwanted and expensive contamination in seed, feed, and food, and guarantees consumers the GMO-free food they want.
Food chain operators for GMO-free seed IFOAM EU Group in cooperation with "save our seeds" works to maintain GMO free seed production in order to allow a real freedom of choice for consumers.
Study: Economic impacts of labelling thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically engineered organisms in conventional and organic seed [Summary][EN] [PL]
