GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are an issue on which the Greens have been fighting hard for many years. The Greens believe that GMOs could have a long-term harmful effect on the environment and human health, and as it has not been proven otherwise, a precautionary approach should be taken.
The policy of the Green Party of England and Wales is to:
Apply the precautionary principle to the regulation of genetic research and its application to safeguard against irreversible damage to the ecology of this planet .
Ban the introduction of genetically modified organisms and their products in all agricultural systems of production including human and animal feed.
Ban the transgenic manipulation of animals for any agricultural purpose.
Safeguard against any genetic modification which is made in the pursuit of profits, rather than the interests of people, animals and biodiversity."
Jean Lambert's voting on proposals for European legislation on GMOs is therefore in line with these principles.
Press release: Jean Lambert tells President Bush to stop lying about GM Food
Read a letter from Jean Lambert outlining Green action on GMOs in the European Parliament
February 2003: Jean supports Norwich Green Party's campaign for a GMO free Norfolk. Read the press release
Authorisation, traceability and labelling of genetically modified food, feed and organisms
The Greens believe that consumers have a right to know what they are buying and eating, especially when it concerns products which are genetically modified or contain genetically modified ingredients. In 2001, the European Commission produced two proposals for legislation to guarantee proper labelling of GMO products. The European Parliament adopted opinions (reports) on these proposals in July 2002. See the Green Group's briefing below for more information.
Letters from Jean Lambert (pre- and post- vote) on these proposals
Press release by Jean (3rd July 2002)
What European legislation exists on GMOs?
Read this information document by the European Commission outlining the current state of play on EU GMOs legislation (March 2003).
Useful Links
Caroline Lucas MEP www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk
Friends of the Earth www.foe.org.uk
Friends of the Earth Europe www.foeeurope.org
Green Group in the European Parliament www.greens-efa.org
European Commission webpage on GMOs http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/gmo/gmo_index_en.html