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The major political parties are open to the approval of plants bred using new methods. (symbolic image)
Keystone
Opinions are divided on the question of whether Switzerland should approve plants derived from new breeding methods. The conservative parties and the SP see opportunities in the new technology. On the green side, there is a minimum consensus on the declaration obligation.
The Federal Council wants to authorize plants bred with new technologies such as gene scissors and still take concerns about genetic engineering into account. In the consultation on its draft legislation, which ended on Wednesday, the SP, FDP and the center supported this.
The SVP is sceptical, but sees opportunities and, like organic farming and other organizations, supports a declaration obligation. The Green Liberals find the bill too restrictive, and the Farmers' Association describes the hurdles for cultivation as high.
The SP supports the bill, but calls for improvements in consumer and environmental protection. The Greens reject the "Special Genetic Engineering Act". New breeding methods are also genetic engineering. The GMO-free Alliance and consumer groups oppose any approval.
09.07.2025, 13:20
