Developments of Harmonized GMO-free Standards. Danube Region

Transcription

1 Developments of Harmonized GMO-free Standards Danube Region 1

2 Contents Starting point: comparison of existing systems Danube Soy, GIZ project Details of the project Results Standards on GMO-free production,labelling and control Implementation 2

3 Comparison of existing systems harmonization? Approaches in all the countries similar or even identical Remarkable differences in certain details (control, exemptions, thresholds) Regional and/or European harmonization important For producers /export, consumers Harmonization at a well-balanced high level of reliability Aim: comparable criteria, reliable and transparent control system, compatible with EU framework and WTO The challenge: a fine tuned-balance: scientifically solid, clear, transparent, understandable, fair, strict but not hindering implementation Existing systems and their experience can be used as a good basis 3

4 The solution Danube Region Standards Project for the development of harmonized draft standards for the whole Danube region Implemented by Environment Agency Austria On behalf of the GIZ-Project GMO-free Quality Soya from the Danube Region and in co-operation with the Danube Soy Association Moderated expert driven process Workable, efficient and inclusive setting: Ø Technical working group, Review by the competent authorities Aim: Harmonization of GMO-free production of food and labelling as well as control in the Danube Region 4

5 The details of the project November 2014 to December2015 Two Standards: On the definition of GMO-free production processes of food and its labeling On the risk based-control of GMO-free production processes First drafts on the basis of the comparison Technical Working Group (TWG), February 2015, Second Drafts (March 2015) Review Group (RG) 3 months (March to June 2015) Separate stakeholder processes in Serbia and Bosnia/Herzegovina organised by GIZ 2nd TWG meeting September 2015 Final draft 3rd TWG meeting November 2015 Final documents submitted to GIZ end of 2015 Follow-up: Adoption and implementation at the national level 5

6 Outline of the Standard on Definition of GMO-free production processes of Food and its Labelling Definitions (compatible with EU framework on GMOs) Production Regulations: Ø Principles differentiation food, feed Ø General Requirements for farms and processing plants Ø Special requirements for food Proof of Non-Use of GMOs, Thresholds Labelling Regional and national consultation and advisory committees Annex: List of concrete wording currently used for labeling 6

7 Some concrete examples Food: GMOs and products produced from or by GMOs excluded Feed and other products: GMOs and products produced from GMOs excluded Separation on farms and processing plants Transition periods Thresholds: keep the adventitious or technically unavoidable presence as low as possible (0,1 %), maximum 0,9 % Labelling examples 7

8 Outline of Standard on the Risk-Based Control of GMO-free production processes Scope: inspections and certifications Uncritical and critical components GMO-free projects, and group certification Charts of the risk-based control system (livestock, plants) Qualifications of staff Initial survey (livestock) Risk classification Ø Agriculture plants, livestock Ø Processing (feed, food) Ø Trade, storage, transportation Inspections Annexes: Detailed catalogue of requirements, critical crops 8

9 Some concrete control examples/1 Initial survey in livestock production projects: Ø Producers self-control system, prior and after certification Ø Certification body Ø Preliminary risk classification Inspection (certification body) Validation of risk level Ø Possible sanctions Ø Re-inspection Results of certification 9

10 Some concrete control examples/2 Risk classification and criteria: Ø 0: minimal risk Ø 1: low risk Ø 2: medium risk Ø 3: high risk R i s k Percentage of Inspected Level Businesses 0 25% 1 50% 2 100% 3 No Certification Possible 10

11 The Danube Region Standards - Options for implementation at the national level Legally binding implementation Making the draft standards compulsory by law, ordinance, regulation etc. Soft law approach national Guideline Soft law approach private standard Countries will decide on the basis of their needs, their legal system which approach to take Regional exchange of information and advice is important! 11

12 Institutional requirements for implementation Political commitment Responsible Ministry/-ies Stakeholder and expert platforms and/or committees Clear technical and scientific expertise Clear and transparent control system Experienced Certification bodies and laboratories for analytical control Clear label Regular information to society, consumers etc. 12

13 Contact & Information Dr. Helmut Gaugitsch Head of Unit Landuse & Biosafety Umweltbundesamt International GMO-free labelling Conference Vienna, 25 April