CIAA è la voce dei produttori di alimenti e bevande

For a responsible use of GMOs for the benefit of consumers
Recent consumer surveys have shown that even if the majority of European consumers remain against genetically modified organisms, their attitude could evolve positively if it is proven that GMO based food products present an advantage, for example in the area of nutrition or of environmental protection. This is the main outcome of the study carried out by the Environics, an international research company, the results of which were revealed during the European Food Summit on 11 April 2002.
http://www.ciaa.be/ciaa_summit/pages/hetherington.pdf

These results reflect CIAA’s position:
Today, the European food industry respects consumer choice and responds to their demands for products that do not contain GMOs. However, CIAA remains convinced that the responsible exploitation of developments in biotechnology could, in time, bring tangible benefits all along the food chain.

Biotechnology, an instrument for sustainable agriculture

Biotechnology has a role to play within the European food and drink industry’s undertakings, to promote sustainable practices among its partners in the food chain.

Scientific studies prove for example that the use of biotechnology in agriculture allows plants to become more resistant to disease and reduces the use of pesticides, therefore limiting the impact of production on the environment.

It is known that biotechnology can play a role in developing countries. It could improve agricultural yields, even in the most adverse climatic conditions, defying one of today’s major challenges.

Biotechnology can therefore play a crucial role in the management of natural resources and in environmental protection. This potential cannot be ignored.

During the World Summit on Sustainable development in Johannesburg, the CIAA published the first global food and drink industry report on sustainable development. This report highlights the significant input by the food and drink industry to sustainable development and analyses the potential role of biotechnology within this context.
http://www.uneptie.org