Frequently Asked Questions

General

• What is Agricultural Biotech ?
• What are the environmental benefits of GM crops?
• What is different about GM technology, as compared to traditional plant breeding?
• Are GMOs ‘natural’, Are we ‘playing God’ by genetically modifying plants?
• Are GM plants fertile, or do farmers have to buy new seeds every years?
• Do GM crop plants contribute to reduced pesticide use?
• Can GM, conventional and organic crops co-exist?
• Can GM crops help in fighting hunger in developing countries?
• What is the approval process for GMOs in the European Union?
• What do Europeans think about GMOs?
• How does biotechnology address current human and environmental challenges?

Safety & GMOs

• What is a risk?
• Tell me more about the scientific vs. social acceptability of risks
• How does EU legislation implement the precautionary principle?
• What about GM crops and biodiversity and the environment?
• What about  “superweeds”?
• What about allergies or any heath problems?
• What about antibiotic resistance?

Increasing the choices of consumers & farmers

• Will I be able to choose between GM and non GM food?
• Tell me more about the social and ethical acceptability of GM food and crops
• What are the rules regarding traceability and labeling?
• How can we ensure the coexistence of conventional, organic and GM crop in the EU?