03rd March 2004

No permits should be allowed for GMOs

No permits should be allowed for the deliberate release of GMOs in the environment Friends of the Earth (Malta) said today.

FoE Malta was reacting to the decision that, as from last Monday, will allow MEPA to receive applications for GMOs that can be planted or used in limited laboratory testing, including genetically modified fish in fish farms.
Allowing GMOs in Malta would signify an important no turning back point and government should legislate to prevent GMOs from being released into the environment.

There is a growing body of evidence that links GMOs to health risks, and loss of biodiversity, and simply put the risks of GMOs are too great to take. Given the size of Malta's fields, GMOs could spell the end of any other form of farming, thus reducing the choice of the local farmers and consumers.

We should be protecting and promoting our typical agricultural products and not introducing other varieties that can be grown anywhere in the world.
Friends of the Earth questions what benefit Malta can possibly stand to gain from the acceptance of GMOs and asks the authorities to prevent the importation of such organisms.

The sea around Malta has been ravaged over the past decades and introducing alien species will hinder attempts to return to a healthy sea life.
FoE calls on the environment minister to organise regular meetings with civil society so that the public is kept abreast of what decisions are about to be taken that could affect our health and environment.

NGOs are not being involved in the decision making process and this does not auger well given Malta's imminent accession into the EU.