The realm of breeding techniques is rapidly evolving. The recent introduction and broad uptake of new genetic engineering techniques raises potential for huge impacts on our planet and society.
IFOAM – Organics International has convened an expert Working Group to study the full breadth of the topic and its effects both within and beyond the organic sector. The Working Group has drafted a position paper, which is now released for global consultation and feedback. Your review and comments are welcomed so they can refine and improve it.
At the next General Assembly of the organic movement, which is immediately following the 19th Organic World Congress in New Delhi, India in November 2017, the membership of IFOAM – Organics International is expected to vote on the position that the organic sector will take with respect to the full spectrum of known breeding techniques. (This new position complements the recently updated IFOAM – Organics International Position on Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms.)
The current draft has two parts: (1) Main text that addresses the topic in its various contexts; and (2) a table (Annex 2) with the Working Group’s technical assessment summary of the different breeding techniques. Your feedback is invited on both, and especially from those with expertise in animal breeding.
Access the draft here
Your comments on the draft document may be of a general nature, but we welcome even more your specific suggestions for wording changes. The main text draft is provided with line numbers; please refer to these with any specific comments. On Annex 2, please refer to the specific technique(s) when making your comments; have we missed any techniques? We also ask that you pay specific attention to cells where a determination is yet to be finalized – these are marked with a question mark (?) and shall be studied further. Your opinion and knowledge on these is welcome and appreciated.
Please submit comments to David Gould (Working Group Coordinator), d.gould@ifoam.bio.
