Hungarian Background on Views of 1st Generation Genetically Modified Plants

Journal or Publishing Institution: Agricultural Committee of the Hungarian Parliament

Study: https://web.archive.org/web/20180720025933/http://2010-2014.kormany.hu/download/1/bd/20000/GenetE.pdf

Author(s): Darvas, B. and Székács, A.

Article Type: Book

Record ID: 496

Foreword: Novel crop varieties created by plant genetic technology are debated fiercely in Hungary since their occurrence on the market. A characteristic feature of this debate is that while critical voices are heard from scientific fields (e.g., environmental sciences and dietetics) surveying side-effects of the first generation GM plants (mostly Bt- and glyphosate tolerant maize lines), promotion arrives mainly from the NGO Zoltán Barabás Biotechnology Association4 (headed by Dénes Dudits) serving the interest representation of the international GM variety owners. Even the advocates of the latter organization are not on the opinion that the GM maize variety containing the MON 810 genetic event is economically needed for Hungary, as agricultural damage by the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) is not significant. They presume, however, that the present moratorium (since 2005) on the cultivation of MON 810 maize encumbers the introduction of further GM crop varieties, and reduces the R+D investments directed to this field. AParliament Decree (53/2006 XI. 29 OGy) on the cultivation of GM crops (actually MON 810 varieties), legislated with the consent of all parties of the Parliament, has been in force since 2006.

As proven by numerous surveys, the majority of the population of Hungary opposes food products from GM produce, and – similarly to most European nations – considers its food products in a conservative manner. This mode of cultivation does not occupy a preferred position in the Hungarian vision of future on agriculture/food industry. The economic reason is that GM products, in contrast to quality food products originated from ecological agriculture, are not competitive on the European markets. However,ecological agriculture does not accept GM varieties, or even, does not favour these crops in the proximity of its farming areas (i.e., foreign pollinated plants). The majority of Hungarian farmers secluded themselves from cultivation of GM crops, and thus, a substantial part of the country joined as GM free regions.

This book compiles momentous results of the last decade in environmental sciences – mostly related to MON 810 maize – along with statements representing the position of many and independent from commercial production, with the aim to expound the precautious and earnest approach to the cultivation of GM crops.The extent of the book allowed presenting only short communications, but reference to the complete publications, wherever possible, are also listed. An up-to-date availability of a collection of domestic scientific efforts (http://www.bdarvas.hu/gmo/idn3005) and more expended opinion statements (http://www.bdarvas.hu/gmo/idn3004) is provided. Moreover, a few summary books broadly discussing the fundamentals of the area, are listed.

Keywords: GM plants, MON 810 maize, Bt maize, glyphosate tolerant maize, Hungary

Citation: Darvas, B. and Székács, A., 2011. Hungarian Background on Views of 1st Generation Genetically Modified Plants. Agricultural Committee of the Hungarian Parliament, Budapest, Hungary, pp.108-213.