by GMOs are only permitted for research purposes in Switzerland, but opposition against a moratorium appears to be weakening. © Keystone/Christian Beutler The Swiss parliament has decided to ease restrictions on genetic engineering in agriculture, while extending in principle a moratorium for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) until 2025. The Senate on Tuesday asked the government to propose details for the use of gene editing techniques on plants and seeds by the middle of 2024. However, exemptions will only be allowed if they are considered an added value for agriculture, consumers and the environment compared with conventional methods. Genome editing, or gene editing, is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in
Topics:
Swissinfo considers the following as important: 3) Swiss Markets and News, 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy, Featured, Latest News, newsletter
This could be interesting, too:
Nachrichten Ticker - www.finanzen.ch writes Krypto-Ausblick 2025: Stehen Bitcoin, Ethereum & Co. vor einem Boom oder Einbruch?
Connor O'Keeffe writes The Establishment’s “Principles” Are Fake
Per Bylund writes Bitcoiners’ Guide to Austrian Economics
Ron Paul writes What Are We Doing in Syria?
GMOs are only permitted for research purposes in Switzerland, but opposition against a moratorium appears to be weakening. © Keystone/Christian Beutler
The Swiss parliament has decided to ease restrictions on genetic engineering in agriculture, while extending in principle a moratorium for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) until 2025.
The Senate on Tuesday asked the government to propose details for the use of gene editing techniques on plants and seeds by the middle of 2024.
However, exemptions will only be allowed if they are considered an added value for agriculture, consumers and the environment compared with conventional methods.
Genome editing, or gene editing, is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism.
Tuesday’s move follows a similar decision by the other parliamentary chamber, the House of Representatives, last week.
Supporters said the new technique could be helpful to grow plants that are resistant to climate change.
Other speakers praised the decision as a compromise solution which satisfied the needs of the science community.
Opponents, notably among left-wing parties, demanded more evidence of safety before agreeing to ease restrictions.
Extended freeze
Switzerland introduced a moratorium on GMOs following a nationwide vote in 2005, allowing only exceptions for research. The freeze has been extended several times since then.
Opponents of GMOs include the country’s main farmers’ organisation as well as consumers. Supporters, notably major retailers and fruit and vegetable producers, have gained ground in recent years. They would like the law to be revised to reflect scientific and technological progress.
You Might Also Like
SWISS suspends flights to Ukraine
2022-02-19
Other airlines in the Lufthansa Group also announced plans to halt flights to the country. © Keystone / Christian Beutler
Amid further escalations of the crisis in Ukraine, Swiss International Airlines has decided to temporarily suspend flights to Ukraine from next week. This affects flight connections in Kyiv.
This content was published on February 19, 2022 – 17:22
February 19, 2022 – 17:22
Keystone-SDA/jdp
All flights will be cancelled from Monday, February 21 until February 28, 2022, a SWISS spokesperson told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Saturday in response to a request. Flights on Sunday, February 20, would take place as planned to provide booked passengers a travel option between Kyiv and Zurich.“The safety of passengers and crew members is the top priority at all times,”
Swiss firms rank low in European ‘Gender Diversity Index’
2022-01-22
The proportion of women in leading positions at major European companies rose slightly last year but progress is slow, according to a new study that compares 19 countries. Switzerland was ranked near the bottom of the 2021 “Gender Diversity Index”.
Call to tap potential of professional working women
2021-11-17
Women make up half of the highly skilled workforce in Switzerland, but work fewer hours, according to a study published on Tuesday. One in three would like to work more, under certain conditions.
Geneva-Lausanne train link remains suspended
2021-11-12
The holes were caused by tunneling work under the tracks carried out by a private company, which was working on a thermal energy project using water from Lake Geneva to heat an industrial zone not far from the train line. Keystone / Jean-christophe Bott
The main rail link between Geneva and Lausanne in southwestern Switzerland will not re-open until Friday morning, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF) has confirmed. The line has been suspended since Tuesday after land collapsed near the tracks.
This content was published on November 11, 2021 – 09:57
November 11, 2021 – 09:57
Keystone-SDA/sb
Holes that appeared between tracks at Tolochenaz, near Morges in canton Vaud, on Tuesday still require major work, which is proving more complicated than expected, the Federal Railways said.Two holes
Businesses give mixed reaction to Covid certificate
2021-10-15
While most Swiss hotels and restaurants are critical of the need to show a Covid certificate, overall small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not perceive it as a disadvantage.
Swiss retain top spot in wealth management ranking
2021-10-08
Switzerland is still number one in terms of wealth management internationally, despite the growth in new assets slowing in 2020, according to consulting firm Deloitte.
Farmers make hay in 2020 but brace themselves for grim 2021
2021-10-06
Covid, the weather and the pig market were kind to farmers in 2020, with income increasing 6.7% compared with 2019. But this year is looking much bleaker.
Innovative Switzerland rolls out red carpet at Expo 2020 Dubai
2021-10-03
After eight years of planning and billions of dollars in spending, the Middle East’s first World Fair has opened in Dubai. Switzerland is participating at Expo 2020 with its own pavilion.
Tags: Featured,Latest news,newsletter