Genetically modified plants

Centres of diversity are places where the special interrelation between our crop plants and their wild relatives is still apparent. In such places, tens of thousands of varieties of rice, potato, maize, or other food staples are still grown and used by local people. Centres of diversity are the basis not only for food security, but also for cultural traditions.

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) plants into agriculture poses a serious threat to our centres of diversity. In particular wild plants and local crop varieties risk acquiring the genetically modified traits, giving rise to strains of plants with a fitness advantage over their neighbours. This could severely disrupt local ecosystems. Any release of GE plants in centres of diversity either through seed or commodity import poses a serious threat to our biological heritage, cultural roots, and global food security.