Precision Bred Organisms Raises Concerns for the Biodynamic Association

At the Biodynamic Association, we are disappointed to hear the announcement about Precision Bred Organisms (PBOs). The risks of PBO genetic technology entering our food and feed systems demonstrates a concerning continuation, of the previous government’s legislation, by the new Government to PB technology.

The Biodynamic Association urges the Labour Government to reconsider secondary legislation that allows PBO’s without labelling. Whilst at the same time Defra informs organic certification bodies that PBO’s will still be treated as GMOs for organic standards, which means that we have to exclude them from the organic supply chain. Further, the apparent lack of attention to risk and recognition of public choice is not an ideal approach by Government to this technology.

Once again, the government seems to be following advice from big business interests to make it simple for them to flood the market with PBO manipulated products on the presumption that this is safe. The case for safety has not been proved. Consumers need reassurance that these processes are safe, healthy and that they still have individual choice of GMO-free foods.

PBOs may represent a significant risk to trade of biodynamic organic produce and may well effect consumer confidence and choice in buying biodynamic products if there is not transparent labelling. The biodynamic and organic food sector is worth over £3 Billion to the UK economy.

At the BDA we call for:

• GMO & PBO register and notification system to ensure they meet criteria predefined in the Precision Bred (Genetic Technologies) Act.
• Legal requirements re: complete PBO traceability and identification within the food supply chains.
• Risk assessments re: environment, biodiversity and animal welfare of genetic changes occurring before they can be released or sold.
• Accurate product labelling.

Hannah Gutteridge, Certification Manager for the Biodynamic Association, comments, “It is concerning that Defra has not thought more about how allowing PBOs into the UK will impact food systems. Ultimately allowing them into the UK, yet still advising certification bodies that we cannot allow PBOs under our standards sends a conflicting message.”

The Biodynamic Association along with other organic partners and organisations, continue negotiations with DEFRA as to whether PBO’s can be traceable without labelling.

PBOs are created using genetic modification to artificially create traits in animals and plants to support more standardised or chemically resilient food production systems.

The Biodynamic Association and Demeter brand, along with other organic organisations such as the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers, are keen to continue to work closely with our colleagues at Defra to secure reassurances. As the Biodynamic Association we recommend the prioritisation of the long-term stewardship of our ecosystems, healthy food systems, food security and supply chains. We, the Biodynamic Association, recommend the prioritisation of the long-term stewardship of our ecosystems, healthy food systems, food security and transparent supply chains, we wish to protect nature from the incursion of unregulated GM material.

“This is critical for the biodynamic and organic sector to maintain and enhance legal frameworks and to ensure the UK is able to trade with Europe, and other countries who have exclusions and restrictions on PBOs and GMOs”, comments Gabriel Kaye, Executive Director of the Biodynamic Association.

Biodynamic farmers, growers and producers need reassurance that their produce can be maintained as PBO and GMO free.

Hannah Gutteridge, Gabriel Kaye and Gary Roberts – Biodynamic Association UK