Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The government of Azerbaijan continues to toughen its legislation over the use of genetically modified products.

The country will prohibit grain products and other plants that contain genetically modified organism. The issue will be considered by the Azerbaijani Parliament, which proposes to make amendments to the law “On grain”.

Under the new amendments, import of GMO and biotech crops will not be allowed in the country.

The amendments to the law “On seed farming” stipulate ban on the use of GMO crops or agricultural products obtained by means of modern biotech and genetic engineering techniques.

Related amendments may also be made to the law “On the protection and rational use of genetic stock of cultivated plants”. The current law prohibits import, regionalization and inclusion of GMO crops to the state register.

The amendments prohibit production, regionalization and inclusion to the state register of GMO crops or agricultural products obtained by means of modern biotech and genetic engineering techniques.

The draft law will be discussed at the Parliamentary meeting scheduled for June 14.

The country enjoys nine of 11 climatic zones, which gives it the opportunity to produce a diverse array of fruits and vegetables around the year. Azerbaijan mostly imports exotic fruits.

Some 98 percent of soy, 50 percent of tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, watermelons and beets in Azerbaijani market are genetically modified products, according to local experts.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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