vote against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
26 October 2006
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has decided to side with the
South African Wine Council in their opposition against a request to the
Registrar Genetically Modified Organisms for permission to use genetically
modified malolactic yeast (ML01) for the commercial production of wine in South
Africa.
The wine industry is of paramount importance to the economic and social
welfare of the Western Cape, says Cobus Dowry, Western Cape Minister of
Agriculture. Not only was the industry responsible for an estimated state
income of R2 549 million from local sales during 2005, it also contributes to
the economy through foreign investments worth millions of rands and the
industry is an important employer along its value chain.
For this reason, we cannot afford to lose the favour of our export markets
by prematurely incorporating genetically modified organisms or products in the
wine making process. Although the department and the South African wine
industry support GMO research through the Winetech programmes, such research is
strictly controlled through internationally accepted protocols. The department
will not support the introduction of GMO organisms in the commercial production
of wine until such time as it is clear that this practice is internationally
acceptable.
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Cell: 084 604 6701
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
26 October 2006
