On the 22nd and 23rd of October, 2006 in the Aula (main hall) of the University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca the 7th conference of Association of Organic Farmers of Romania was held with the principal theme Preventing Genetically Modified Organisms in Organic Agriculture.
253 attendees took part in the conference: experts from government agencies, institutes, research stations and NGOs, farmers, processors and traders, students- general, masters and doctorate, instructors and journalists.
Findings from the ideas presented in the framework of the conference:
Representing the Department of Agricultural Food Strategies of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development, General Director Adrian Dinu Toma presented a report The Cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops in Romania, Current Situation and Perspectives. The presentation examined the current situation in Romania, the Romanian authority with responsibility in the area of genetically modified organisms, pertinent legislation and perspectives toward GMOs. Because of the upcoming acceptance of Romania into the European Union in January, 2007, there is the need to modify the legislation to prohibit the cultivation of soy with GMOs which, at present, is the only genetically modified plant whose cultivation is approved by Romanian law and to address the potential introduction of corn modified for Bt. Similarly, it was explained that a plan of action to eliminate the cultivation of genetically modified soy by the 1st of January, 2007 is develop.
Dr. Padrout M. Fried from the Agroscope Fal Reckenholz research institute of Zurich presented a report Can GMOs Resolve the Problems of Plant Protection? This presentation, created for the Bioterra conference, placed into discussion the advantages and disadvantages of using pesticides, GMOs, and biologic control agents in relationship to organic agriculture. The position of IFOAM, the umbrella organization of organic agriculture, was explained. The IFOAM position opposes the use of genetic modification in agriculture because of the unprecedented danger it represents for the entire biosphere and the particular economic and environmental risks it poses for organic agriculture. IFOAM believes that genetic engineering causes or can cause many undesirable effects including: irreversible environmental impact, release of organisms which have never existed previously and once released can never be contained again, pollution of the gene pool of cultivated agriculture, micro organisms and animals, denial of free choice, both for farmers and consumers and unacceptably threatens human health.
Monica Schneider representing the Swiss organization FiBL presented Organic Agriculture in Coexistence with GMOs. The report examined the framework of regulations and standards of organic agriculture and GMOs, the reasons that organic farmers do not use genetic engineering and current problems related to the use of GMOs. The recommendations from FiBL which renounce the use of GMO cultivation as well as oppose the rapid product licensing of GMOs, include special protection for the production of non modified seed, and suggest strict specific regulations protecting the boarder regions of non GMO areas were also explained.
Lector Dr. Dana Malschi representing the Environmental Science Faculty of Cluj presented Point of View Concerning the Presence of GMOs in Agriculture. Mrs. Malschi supports intensifying the efforts to optimize the interrelationships between the environment and sustainable agricultural development with a management system using cultivation methods that integrate organic agriculture with methods efficient both economically and ecologically. This includes the conservation and use of natural resources, especially biodiversity, which are necessary for the development of sustainable agriculture, quality environment and food quality.
Dan Craioveanu, a specialist on the problems of GMOs from the National Federation of Organic Agriculture offered the opinion of the Federation regarding GMOs and gave examples of the risk of their use - when tainted food was tested in rats damage was caused to the liver, pancreas, raised leucocytes levels in the blood, etc. He also brought attention to the economic risks that come with dependence upon international companies such as Pioneer and Monsanto.
Manola Romalo, of Frankfurt from the Association of German Journalists, presented a report entitled World Economic Risk: the Principle of Irresponsibility. In this presentation she illustrated the dangers to health and the economy resulting from the widespread use of modified organisms in the environment. The presentation discussed the problem of responsibility – those that pollute the environment or damage people’s health have the obligation to remedy the problem.
After the plenary symposium took place discussions in the framework of the workshops, the approached themes were:
Section 1 GMOs in plant cultivation
Section 2 GMOs in animal husbandry
Section 3 Food production and the GMO
On the second day of the conference a presentation of the discussions and conclusions of the three workshops was offered by the moderators. Likewise, some solutions were proposed to minimize the possible risks of the introduction of GMOs in agriculture.
-
The initialisation on the International level a system of rules and practices for organic agriculture. This system once created, should be promoted by the International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM), a forum of which Bioterra is a part.
-
Bioterra Association should organise a training campaign for farmers regarding information access and to disseminate the results of existing research programs, through magazines or symposium.
-
Beginning, on the national level, a series of instruction programs for consumers regarding organic food benefits.
-
Creating systems for Direct Marketing
-
Exercise political lobbying in regard to Romanian producers protection by allowing subsidizes to organic farmers.
The main objective of the Conference for the Bioterra members and all the participants was to provide information on the follows topics:
· What are genetically modified organisms
· Examples of transgenic plants and animals
· Risks related to transgenic plant crop cultivation
· GMOs and crops biodiversity
· GMOs and society
· Food products containing GMOs and their risks
· Romanian legislation concerning GMOs
In this sense we can note the fact that this topic which was presented for the first time at a Bioterra Conference is very relevant and very interesting, and the Conference objective was entirely realised. The discussions raised the awareness of the risks connected with the use of GMOs in agriculture and also for environment and human health, and as well as gave some solutions to solve of the present problems.
The work of the 7th Organic Farmers of Romania Conference has been an event of exceptional importance, reflected by the attention of the written and audio press of country. The press coverage has also contributed to the popularization of organic agriculture methods.
During the last portion of the Conference Bioterra’s achievements of the past year were highlighted among them the establishment of another branch of Bioterra at Fagaras and discussions related to the foundation of three other branches at Constanta, Mures and Techirghiol.
During the “Organizational Changes” portion of the program Bioterra members approved the following proposals:
-
Including in the Bioterra Statutes a chapter “Objectives and Activities” – Scientific Research in Organic Agriculture Sector
-
Representation ratio at Conferences and General Meetings to be 1 to 20 members.
3. Approved the formation of the Bioterra Fagaras Branch and the start of the foundation of the other three branches.
With such a large number of participants present the Conference represented a real opportunity to spread information related to organic agriculture and to enhance the reputation of this system.
The main objective of the Association is to promote organic agriculture in Romania. Bioterra proposes to continue the activities that have a positive impact in accomplishing this aspiration including: seminars, round tables, trainings, establishing demonstrative plots and study visits, participation in exhibitions in country and abroad, and to continue the tradition of organizing the national conferences.
At the end of the Conference the President and the Executive Director of the Association thanked all the participants and Bioterra members and reminded everyone of the generous support of FiBL acting as intermediary for the financial support provided by the Stat Secretary for Economical Affaires, SECO, Switzerland for the organization of this prestigious event.
Prof. Dr. Cornel Man Albert Imre
President, Executive Director
Organic Farmers Association of Romania Bioterra
Cluj, November 2006 |
