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Swiss agree to 5-year GMO farming ban

Posted on: Sunday, 27 November 2005, 08:55 CST

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.

Source: REUTERS

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