MAIZE & REFERENDUM

On 6th January, Switzerland's federal public health office announced its decision to approve the use of Novartis, Bt genetically modified maize for both human food and animal feed.

The overall reaction of the Swiss public to gene technology, however, remains to be seen. A national referendum, to take place on 7th June, will ask the citizens of Switzerland to vote on whether they want a nation-wide ban on :

- the release of GMOs,
- transgenic animals,
- patents on life forms.

The referendum was made necessary under Swiss law by a petition of more than 100,000 signatures. The Swiss government is trying to pre-empt the outcome of the referendum by presenting its own proposals for strengthening the rules governing the use genetic engineering and transgenic animals. Known as the Gen-Lex, motion, the initiative aims to coordinate existing legislation covering a range of activities relating to genetic engineering, and to close any apparent gaps. Scientists, environmentalists and animal rights groups have been asked for their comments. A national ethics committee is also to be set up in the next few months to address issues relating to the use of animals in genetics research.

* More info : Florianne Koechlin Tel.: +41 61 411 26 34 or email :nopatents@igc.apc.org