Russian scientists recommend setting a 10-year GMO moratorium
Experts from National Association for Genetic Safety (NAGS) have made a statement calling for a 10-year moratorium on GMO products in Russia in order to more thoroughly study their impact on human health.
While GMO will be prohibited, the scientists could plan experiments, tests, or maybe even new methods of research could be developed, said Irina Yermakova, NAGS Vice President. Yermakova explained why NAGS insists on full moratorium: current methods of obtaining the GMO are not perfect, therefore, at this stage, all GMOs are dangerous and further study is needed.
Russian government has already signed an order determining a state system for registering genetically modified organisms intended for use and products production with or containing such organisms. The order comes into force on 1 July 2014. According to experts’ forecasts, Russia may get first GM crop already by 2016-17.
Russian Ministry of Agriculture considers it impossible to produce GM-products in Russia without extended and detailed scientific tests.
According to Nikolay Fyodorov, Russian Minister of Agriculture, because of legitimacy gaps GM already exists on Russian market. Among the first tasks now – to establish order in this sphere, to create an updated legal system – conservative enough concerning GMO. At the moment, according to minister’s words, Russia is perceived in the world as a country free from GMO. Europe is one of the best examples of perfect GM regulation, said the official.
