Greens of Serbia call for ban on GMO crops

BELGRADE - The Greens of Serbia urged Serbian MPs on Wednesday to follow in the footsteps of their colleagues in the European Parliament (EP) who voted to allow EU Member States to introduce bans on GMO cultivation in their territory.

The EP's Environment Committee adopted a series of changes last week to the original draft law proposed by the European Council, which, according to the MEPs, allowed too much freedom to multinational producers of genetically modified food.

"Our MPs must fight for a ban on cultivation and trade in GMOs in Serbia. There are economic, business and health arguments to support this," the Greens of Serbia said, pointing out that more than 100 cities and municipalities across the country have been declared GMO-free areas.

The Greens of Serbia attended the European Green Party Council in Istanbul last week, where the participants voiced their support for a GMO-free Serbia.

The next council of the Balkan and European green parties will be held in Belgrade early next year. The participants will discuss the green economy and jobs, agriculture and alternatives offered by the Greens.