Genetic engineering (GE) enables scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes in a way that does not occur naturally and cannot be achieved through traditional cross-breeding techniques.
 
Genes from bacteria, viruses, plants and animals are inserted into soybeans, maize, oilseed rape (canola) and cotton, and grown as experimental crops, known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  These crops are mainly designed to survive the application of specific pesticides and herbicides patented by the same multinational corporations that sell the crops. They are processed for use in food, animal feed and textiles, and sold all over the world.

Once released, genetically modified organisms (GMO) can spread through nature and interbreed with natural organisms, contaminating ‘non-GE' environments and future generations of plants in an unforeseeable and uncontrollable way.

Because we know so little about how these organisms behave in the environment, and because they can multiply and spread, the potentially harmful effects of GE organisms may only be discovered when it is too late. Their release is 'genetic pollution' and is a major threat because GMOs cannot be recalled once released.

Greenpeace believes that while scientific progress on molecular biology has a great potential to increase our understanding of nature and provide new medical tools, it should not be used as a justification for turning the environment into a giant genetic experiment.

The biodiversity and environmental integrity of the world's food supply is too important to our survival to be subjected to such a risk.

For these reasons, GE organisms must not be released into the environment. They pose unacceptable risks to ecosystems, and threaten biodiversity, wildlife and sustainable agriculture.

Apart from the environmental risks associated with GE food, the latter also poses serious risks for human and animal health. Genetic engineering gives rise to unpredictable and unexpected effects. Even though GE food has been in grocery stores since 1996, there have been no long-term tests on the impacts of GE food on human health. Some potential health risks associated with GE food include the development of antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, nutritional changes and the creation of toxins.

• opposes the release of GMOs into the environment as there is not adequate scientific understanding of their impact on human health and the environment. GMOs pose unpredictable and irreversible long-term risks;

• advocates immediate interim measures such as the labelling of GE foods and the segregation of genetically engineered crops and seeds to prevent them contaminating conventional and organic produce;

• opposes all patents on plants, animals and humans, as well as genes. Life is not a commodity and should not be treated as such.