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, and studies rather show that cultivation of GMO crops is often related to non-sustainable practices.
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 (see also IFOAM Position on Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms). 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 calls for a moratorium on the cultivation of GMO in its "Matla declaration" (Mars 2010) and 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.
IFOAM EU Activities for GMO free food and farming
IFOAM EU Group in cooperation with many other organisations works to maintain GMO free seed, food and feed production in order to allow a real freedom of choice for consumers.
Study (2009): Economic impacts of labelling thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically engineered organisms in conventional and organic seed [Summary] [EN] [PL]
