Swiss Anti-GMO Initiative Handed in at Bern

Seeking stronger protections against genetically modified organisms (GMOs), this petition gathered 137,000 signatures – well above the 100,000 required to trigger a potential nationwide referendum. Known as the ‘Food Protection Initiative’, it calls for mandatory labeling of genetically modified products, comprehensive risk assessments for each genetically engineered organism, safeguards for GMO-free farming, and tighter restrictions on patents related to genetic engineering. Supporters argue that Swiss consumers should retain the right to decide what they eat and how their food is produced.

The proposal is backed by the Association for GMO-Free Food and a coalition of agricultural, environmental, and consumer groups. Although Switzerland’s parliament recently extended the national moratorium on cultivating GMOs – first introduced in 2005 – until the end of 2030, campaigners believe additional legal measures are needed now to ensure long-term protection for consumers and farmers.

To read how the European Court of Justice recently ruled that European Union (EU) member countries are within their right to ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops in part or all of their territory, see this news story on our website.