| Minister of the Environment: Latvia must be free from genetically modified food! |
| 15.07.2008 |
Minister of the Environment Raimonds Vējonis holds a view that Latvia must be genetically modified organisms (GMO) free zone. Considering this, Latvia should be against any GMO product cultivation and trading. Minister of the Environment appeals to encourage development of biological agriculture in Latvia, because we have favorable conditions and biological products are becoming more popular in EU.
R. Vējonis considers that there is not enough evidence for GMO being safe for human health and environment. The most alarming is the fact that people who do not want to use GMO products cannot be sure that, for example, there will be no GMO products in public catering places. Minister of the Environment holds a view that responsible institutions cannot ensure complete control of GMO product trading to ensure choice options for those who do not want to consume genetically modified food, not only in stores but also in public catering places.
A discussion on EU memberstate’s rights to determine GMO free zones was held on session of EU ministers of the Environment (France, July 4th). The majority of memberstates supported this idea.
On July 14th, Cabinet of ministers reviewed Latvia’s position for EU Council of Ministers of Agriculture and fisheries, elaborated by Ministry of Agriculture. The minister of the Environment appealed to Cabinet of ministers to be united in this issue and work for determining Latvia GMO free zone.
Communication Division
Phone: 67026418 / 67026582
E-mail: prese@vidm.gov.lv
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