Updates on new genetic engineering, EU regulations, market & science perspectives – with a global business audience
Frankfurt. The leading European associations of the Non-GMO food and feed industry are hosting the ‘International Non-GMO Summit 2024’ in Frankfurt am Main on 7-8 October 2024. International experts from politics, business, agricultural production and science will present the latest on trends in global Non-GMO markets and on the current debate in the EU on new genomic techniques (NGTs).
In a recent open letter to the EU ministers of agriculture, the European food industry urgently calls for a review of the planned revision of the EU’s Genetic Engineering Law. The 376 signatory companies from 16 EU member states, including major retailers and industry leaders in the food sector, are demanding far-reaching measures to ensure that food production without genetic engineering can continue in a transparent, traceable and safe way. Dr. István Nagy, the current President of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, welcomed the corporate initiative when he was personally presented with the document and expressed his willingness to support the companies’ concerns.
Non-GMO in the spotlight of business and politics
The Summit will bring together key players from international politics, Non-GMO producers and traders and different science disciplines – confirming the importance of topics related to new genetic engineering techniques. Dr. Nagy will open the summit in Frankfurt with a welcome address. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) as well as the Austrian Ministry of Consumer Protection will also be present at the Non-GMO Summit. Representatives of the Non-GMO industry from Brazil and the USA as well as a business delegation from the Republic of Moldova will attend the summit.
The success of the Non-GMO market is at risk
For over 20 years, genetic engineering has not been able to gain a foothold in Europe because a significant proportion of the food industry and retail have clear and solid Non-GMO policies and reject the production or selling of products that contain GMOs. In addition, a large majority of European consumers rejects the use of GMOs in food and agriculture*. Transparency and labelling are essential so that farmers, food producers and consumers can make an informed decision and exercise their right for freedom of choice. In other parts of the world, where GMO plants are cultivated, their introduction has been marked by failures. The manifold promises of the GMO industry have so far remained largely unfulfilled. At the Non-GMO Summit internationally renowned business representatives, who are justifiably concerned about their Non-GMO product portfolio and fear losing the trust of their customers, will have the opportunity to raise their voices.
Background information
*European Greens 2021: GMO survey consumer attitudes
https://www.greens-efa.eu/files/assets/docs/gmo_survey_data_30032021.pdf
*German survey: Almost everyone wants labelling and risk assessment for new genetic engineering (September 2023)
https:/www.ohnegentechnik.org/en/news/article/survey-almost-everyone-wants-labelling-and-risk-assessment-for-new-genetic-engineering
*ARGE Gentechnikfrei: Marktforschungsergebnisse aus Österreich (Juli 2023)
https://gentechnikfrei.at/umfrage-zur-neuen-gentechnik-konsumentinnen-wollen-transparenz-kontrolle-und-kennzeichnung/
The complete programme and important information can be found at
www.nongmosummit.com.
International Non-GMO Summit 2024
Date: 7-8 October 2024
Location: Crowne Plaza Kongresshotel, Lyoner Straße 44-48, 60528 Frankfurt am Main
Topic/Title: ‘The Future of GMO-free Production: Challenges,
Regulatory Outlook and Market Potential’
The International Non-GMO Summit is organised by the leading business associations in the Non-GMO market: Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik
(VLOG), ARGE Gentechnik-frei, Donau Soja, ENGA and ProTerraFoundation.
Please register for accreditation with the Association Food without Genetic Engineering
(VLOG), Karin Heinze, email: K.Heinze@ohnegentechnik.org
Download this press release as pdf
Download key visual
Contact persons for content-related questions:
Alexander Hissting
Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V. (VLOG)
Friedrichstraße 153a, 10117 Berlin
Tel: +49-30-2359-945-10
E-Mail: A.Hissting@ohnegentechnik.org
Website: www.ohnegentechnik.org
Franko Petri
Donau Soja
Wiesinger Straße 6/14, 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43-664-88961298
E-Mail: petri@donausoja.org
Website: www.donausoja.org
Florian Faber
ARGE Gentechnik-frei
Wiesinger Straße 6/14, 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43-664-3819502
E-Mail: f.faber@gentechnikfrei.at
Website: www.gentechnikfrei.at
Heike Moldenhauer
ENGA European Non-GMO Industry Association
Rue du Trône 194,1050 Ixelles
Tel: +32 493 3354 91
E-Mail: info@enga.org
Website: www.enga.org
Emese van Maanen
ProTerra Foundation
Goeman Borgesiuslaan, 77, 3515 ET Utrecht
Mobile: +31-683-292852
E-mail: emese.vanmaanen@proterrafoundation.org
Website: www.proterrafoundation.org
