Gene technology is still the subject of heated debate. The rapid development in gene technology resulted in little time remaining for the extensive study of potential risks and long-term effects. The possible dangers have still not been examined with adequate precision. Long-term assessment of environmental risks, adequate toxicological and allergic studies and feeding experiments are still needed. The environmental, ecological, sanitary, social and other risks are still not adequately known. Our present knowledge is not enough to realistically judge the possible risks. Once these organisms make their way into the environment, they cannot be removed. It is therefore very important to protect our unique natural treasures and the profitability of agriculture in Hungary, while keeping the principle of precaution clearly in view.
In 2006, the five parliamentary parties formulated Hungary’s GMO-free strategy and the process of implementation aimed at its realisation in complete agreement. Since then, this strategy has not been changed, moreover the new Fundamental Law of Hungary, which has been in force since 1 January 2012, includes the pursuit of a GMO-free agriculture.
Hungary’s GMO-free policy is based on scientific results that have proven the negative effects of GMOs. We must also keep in mind future generations, the safety of the environment and last but not least the fact that our gradually increasing competitive market advantage and our ensuing economic interests are also partly the result of our GMO-free status.
Definition
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic encoding (DNA) has been altered using molecular genetic engineering technology in a way that could not occur in nature.
This technology is often called “modern biotechnology”, “gene technology”, “genetic modification” or “gene manipulation”. This technology enables the chosen genes or gene segments of a living organism to be transplanted into another organism, including non-related species (for example transplanting a gene from a bacterium into a plant).