Swiss agree to 5-year GMO farming ban

ZURICH (Reuters) – Switzerland voted in favor of a
five-year ban on the use of genetically modified plants and
animals in farming on Sunday, putting in place some of the
toughest measures in Europe.

Results of the referendum, compiled by Swiss television SF
DRS, showed that 55 percent of voters had accepted the proposal
to place a five-year moratorium on GMO crops and the import of
genetically modified animals.

A majority of Switzerland’s 26 cantons had also accepted
the ban, SF DRS said.

Officials are expected to confirm the national result later
on Sunday. Final results take months to be published.

The measures will force the Swiss government to put in
place some of the toughest legislations on GMOs in Europe.

In the 25-nation European Union that surrounds Switzerland,
restrictions apply to specific crops only and are temporary in
nature, rather than the blanket ban proposed by Swiss
ecologists and consumer groups.

The proposal is supported by Swiss farmers, many of whom
are considering moving into the booming organic farming
business in response to moves to cut traditional agricultural
subsidies.

Under the country’s legislative system, the Swiss
electorate is regularly asked to vote on major decisions.

However, while the vote has a symbolic meaning, a ban will
mean very little change from current practice, said those who
opposed the motion.