Belgian Farmers and Environmental Groups Rally Against Proposed GMO Legislation in Brussels

Farmers and environmental groups gathered in Luxembourg Square, Brussels, to protest against a proposed European regulation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organized by Demeter VZW, a biodynamic farming advocacy group, the demonstration aimed to highlight concerns that the proposed regulation would restrict farmers’ and consumers’ freedom to produce and consume GMO-free food. The European Commission’s proposal seeks to deregulate GMO laws and lift risk assessments for gene technologies like CRISPR, potentially allowing unrestricted use without labeling. Protesters argue that this legislation, rushed through the approval process without sufficient public scrutiny, undermines farmers’ autonomy and poses risks to plant breed improvement. They stress the need for watertight guarantees to support GMO-free agriculture and criticize the influence of agro-industry interests in promoting the proposed law.