Map of GMO fields in Serbia: Here they grew banned soybeans, in vicinity of large cities as well

Illustration: Nikola Jovanovic; Photo: Shutterstock

GMO is one of the most hated terms in our country, and yet little is known about it. It is mostly viewed in a negative context. That's not much different around the world either, and anti-GMO activists have their hands full. On the other hand, states draw on those positive sides in different ways.

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For example, Spain uses GMO technology only in areas where it has an extremely large problem with corn borer, which it cannot solve otherwise.

Argentina has officially become the first country in the world to approve the cultivation and use of drought-resistant GMO wheat.

In Serbia, cultivation, trade and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited. Such food is allowed in animal feed, but only up to 0.9 percent. That GM food is already on our tables is also confirmed by experts who point out that it is mostly in processed food of foreign origin, but in a percentage that is tolerated in the EU.

However, genetically modified soy is still being grown in our country. Farmers use it mainly to feed cattle.

As confirmed to our portal, the last checks carried out by the phytosanitary inspection of the Ministry of Agriculture showed that out of 640 samples and controlled plots, GM strains were found in 29 fields. There are penalties.

Where in Serbia have GMO fields been discovered?

"Based on the data obtained through checks by the phytosanitary inspection, the plots containing GMO soybean crop are located in the territory of the cities of Novi Sad and Valjevo, as well as in the territory of the municipalities of Knic, Ub and Loznica," Telegraf Biznis was told by the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to our interlocutors, once it is proven that there is a genetically modified soybean crop grown in a plot, a decision to destroy it is made and a misdemeanor procedure is initiated.

Penalties for farmers are fines, while the destruction of the crop is done by the owner, in the presence of inspectors.

"According to the Law on GMOs, a fine of 30,000 to 50,000 dinars is envisaged for individuals who violate Article 49," we have been told.

Companies can be fined from 500,000 to three million dinars.

Would you buy meat from an animal that was fed GM soy? Write to us in the comments

(Telegraf Biznis)