| Popis: |
This chapter starts with a global overview of the growth in production of GM crops, their governing regulations, related promises and concerns, and culminates with the examination of the state of these crops and related policies and public perceptions in Turkey. GMO regulations in Turkey date back to 1998, evolving in scope to include biosecurity in 2004, import, processing, export, control and inspection in 2009, and expanding with the implementation of Biosafety Law in 2010. The stated purpose of this highly restrictive law is to prevent risks arising from GMOs and products in order to protect human, animal, phytosanitary, environmental, and biological diversity. It bans inclusion of genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in baby food and supplementary foods for young children, bans cultivation/production of GE plants and animals, and planting of GE seeds. Meanwhile, discussions on the benefits and risks of GMOs have continued intensively in Turkey, similar to many other countries, concerning how GM plants will reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers or result in emergence of resistant weeds and insects, cause environmental pollution or adversely affect human health in the long term. Data on sales, consumption and inspections of GM products is very limited. As of 2017, only 36 GE varieties of soybean and corn were approved for animal feed and none for human food use or cultivation. Imported products are subject to strict examination, as Turkey does not accept point of origin testing. |
