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Team:Harvard/human practices/perception
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Revision as of 20:44, 14 July 2010
human practices background our vision the iGarden kit virtual iGarden opinion poll recycling references
public perception
Choose a region:
USA [top]
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EU [top]
Unlike in North America, genetically engineered crops comprise only a tiny fraction of all crops grown. Currently only two genetically engineered products have been approved for cultivation by the European Union, and only one of these, a type of maise, has been approved for human consumption.
One reason for Europe's slow adoption of genetically engineered products is the divide in opinion between member states. A European Union poll showed that over 50% of the Greek and Austrian populations would refuse to eat foods containing genetically engineered ingredients even if they were proven to be healthier than the conventional alternatives. At the other extreme, only approximately 5% of the Maltese population would refuse to consume genetically engineered products under the same circumstances. (Survey results: Europeans and Biotechnology in 2005: Patterns and Trends)
The current European regulations require an application to grow a GMO to be made to a national government. The national government is required to carry out a risk assessment of the GMO but final authorisation of the crop is the responsibility of the European Food Safety Autority and other Europe-wide bodies. Differing opinions between member states have often led to stalemate and it has proven very difficult for applications to gain approval. Member states including Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and Luxembourg have banned the use or trade of GMOs within their territories. Other countries such as Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Britain are more willing to approve GMOs.
After negotiations in the European Union that concluded in July 2010 it seems likely that GMO decision-making powers will be transferred from Brussels to member states. This presents an opportunity for pro-GM member states to approve the use of GM products for cultivation and human consumption.
Source: European Union: From the Farm to the Fork
Zambia [top]
In 2002 Zambia was plunged into famine after the harvest failed. The Zambian government requested international aid to help its starving citizens and the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) responded by sending thousands of tonnes of food aid. In many of the donor countries such as the USA GM foods were common so GM grains were included in the aid shipments. While Zambians starved the government refused to distribute any GM grain due to fears over its safety and environmental impact. The government also refused a further shipment of 40,000 tonnes of grain for the same reasons.
The Zambian government sent a group to study the effects of GM crops in other countries and on their return to Zambia they concluded that "GMOs are a health hazard." Many Zambian doctors and scientist believe that GMOs cause resistance to antibiotics which can lead to the emergence of new toxins. President Mwanawasa stated: "I will not allow Zambians to be turned into guinea pigs no matter the levels of hunger in the country." His decision left 30% of Zambians without enough food before replacement non-GM food could arrive.
Source: UN, Africa Renewal, Vol.16 #4 (February 2003), page 5
India [top]
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China [top]
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