Welcome to NRP 59 Using genetics to modify plants offers perspectives far beyond those of normal cross-breeding. This is why these plants have been authorized for use in many countries. But genetically modified (GM) plants are also controversial, in particular in Switzerland. In 2005, Swiss voters accepted a five-year moratorium on the commercial use of GM plants, which lasts until 2010. Until then, it is up to researchers to find out more about the benefits and risks of these plants. Even though huge progress has been made from a scientific standpoint, there are plenty of unanswered questions. For example, Switzerland with its small-size structured agriculture needs to consider the highly relevant issue of how well GM and traditional crops can coexist. Other points that need to be clarified are whether GM plants bring any economic benefit, can be eco-friendly or are acceptable to society. Finally, it remains to be seen if consumers have anything to gain. To answer these questions, the Federal Council requested that the Swiss National Science Foundation implement the National Research Programme NRP 59 “Benefits and Risks of the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Plants”. The programme is neither in favour of nor against the use of GM plants. It contributes answers to the questions politicians and society have raised about this new technology.

10 March 2010
Moratorium on gene technology extended by three years

The moratorium on genetically modified animals and plants will be extended by three years. After the Council of States, the National Council too has pronounced itself in favour of a modification of the law on gene technology.

11 February 2010
Postulate on the future of plant research

The Committee for Science, Education and Culture of the National Council mandates the Federal Council to present measures that will safeguard the maintenance and the further development of scientific competences in the area of plant biotechnology in Switzerland, after closure of the NRP 59.

08 February 2010
GMO release experiments: last trial year in Zurich

The ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are in the midst of conducting three release trials with genetically modified wheat over several years – two experiments in Zurich-Reckenholz and one in Pully (VD). As scheduled, the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN has examined the trial reports and plans handed in by the applicants. The last trial season in Zurich can begin and Pully can launch its second-year trial.

08 February 2010
National Council commission in favour of an extension of the moratorium on gene technology

During its session on 5 February 2010, the Committee for Science, Education and Culture (CSEC) of the National Council consented to a three-year extension of the moratorium on the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture.
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19 January 2010
Committee decides to broach the subject of the gene technology moratorium

Having perused the intermediate NRP 59 report and having conducted hearings with experts, the Committee for Science, Education and Culture of the National Council agreed, by a narrow majority, to broach the subject of the prolongation of the gene technology moratorium.

04 December 2009
First provisional results for politics

Interim report to the Federal Council is now available.

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