The Geneva YRE team has looked more specifically into GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
First we got in-depth scientific facts : our research projects are available.
We have interviewed politicians from Geneva and big firms such as Greenpeace or Nestle (International agro-alimentary firm). Each of these interviews has revealed a different opinions about the much debated GMOs.
Here are a few examples of the different opinions our reporters have collected :
Mr. Tolusso, Greenpeace's spokesman since 1993, informed us about his position on genetic manipulations. He is not radical about GMOs, but stresses the need for a moratorium, like the conference which will shortly take place in Columbia. He is open to medical research, but at the same time denounces the lack of reliability of the controls, as well as the lack of freedom the «sponsored» press has towards international firms (Novartis, Monsanto,...).
WBCSD's aims at giving advice to societies in order to help them develop a more ecological outlook.
Although opinions about a number of details differ, they generally all agree with genetics, within certain limits : cloning is thought to be too dangerous. They think that genetics are not yet a well controlled phenomenon, but even if it gives rise to opposite opinions, nothing will stop its evolution.
Political authorities play a big role in the debate on genetics says Mr. Segond.
He speaks about the research agro-alimentary societies are still ready to invest in and also emphasises the need for a vigilant legislation to reassure consumers, whose fears, although groundless, make them doubt. But in any case, all seems to present itself well. Yet, he is cautious when he considers the possible development of this technology. The machine is launched ; but where will it stop?
Mr Toet's point of view is as follows : "We don't use Genetically Modified Organisms as such. What we do use are by-products derived from modified soy and modified corn." "Nestle cannot make people eat what they don't want." He also stresses the fact that no products on the market are better studied than soy and genetically modified corn.", and then adds that "this technique is merely a very useful tool."
Mr. Gay, chief of the laboratory at Novartis in Basle, has told us that his "BT" corn didn't present any danger for one's health, becasue the goal of this company isn't to poison the buyers, but to take care of them. He thinks the marking on the labels of the presence of Genetically Modified Organisms is a good idea. However, Mr. Gay beleives that what the buyer really looks at when buying food is more the price than what the food contains.
All these interviews are available (in english and french) at our web site :
http://tecfa.unige.ch/~lombardf/YRE/projet_yre.html
An analysis of each interview is available too.
Geneva YRE team , 15 may 99