Environmental analysis news: Switzerland extends ban on GM crops

The Swiss government has decided to extend its ban on GM crops within the country for the next three years, it has been revealed.

According to the Foundation of Biotechnology and Awareness, Dow Jones reported that the Swiss Federal Council took the decision to block the introduction of such crops until its national research programme into their effects has been completed.

The news provider explained that the Swiss Federal Council initially brought in the moratorium on GM crops being cultivated commercially because the country did not need them at the time and because "big gaps" still existed in terms of scientific understanding relating to the risks they pose.

Research relating to GM crops in Switzerland is expected to be completed by 2012, when a further decision will be made about their use.

Although certain GM crops have been approved for cultivation within the European Union (EU), a number of member states follow a similar policy to Switzerland.

Austria, France, Greece, Hungary, Germany and Luxembourg have all invoked a "safeguard clause" in EU legislation allowing them to restrict or ban the use of GM products as long as they have "justifiable reasons".

Posted by Claire Manning