GeneticallyModifiedOrganisms in Portugal

It is understood by genetically modified organism (GMO) any organism which

genetic material, by biotechnology techniques, was altered to encourage some

characteristic desired, so it does not occurs naturally.

Desired objectives with the GOM

Possibility to control:

The introduced genes;

The form of expression of genes;

Assign a form or a desired feature.

Action Insecticide

Herbicide Resistance

Pigmentation changes

Improvement of Quality

Protein

Increased Productivity

Characteristics mostly desired to obtain

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Most genetically modified organisms are transgenic food, however, these two concepts

are not synonymous.

GMO foods GMO

Organismo que

possui uma

sequência de ADN,

ou parte do ADN de

outro organismo.

Organismo que foi

modificado

geneticamente, mas

que não recebeu

nenhuma parte de

outro organismo.

1983First GMO cultivation (United States / France)

1993

First crop commercialized (Flavr Savr tomato)

1994

First GMO cultivation in Portugal (Tomato / Potato)

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

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AdvantagesTolerance to Herbicides- Increased Productivity

Tolerance to Insects - Reduction of Chemicals Used

Reduction of use of Fertilizer

Improving the Quality of Food

Ending the World Hunger

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Pollution of the Environment

Reduction of Biodiversity

Increased of Allergy

Risk of genetic pollution of soils

Disadvantages

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Probability of Occurrence of

Allergies

Effect of altered DNA

Cross-pollination

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Risks to Human Health

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ToxicityTendency to

cause allergic

reactions.

Components suspected of

having toxic properties.

Stability of

inserted gene.

Adverse effects

related to genetic

modification.

The safety study of GMO products usually investigates the:

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Soil disturbance

Herbicide resistance Pests

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Risks to the Environment

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Productivity Equal or Lower

Possible cases of failed crops

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Socioeconomic impacts

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LabellingIn order to be marketed, the GOM should be, initially, subjected to a very rigorous

evaluation process and then, labeled, respecting the rules on labeling and traceability of

products.

All food products containing more

than 0.9 percent of GMOs in its

composition, must include this

information on the label.

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Worldwide Cultivation

Soybean Potato Tomato Rice Corn Squash

IN

PORTUGAL

Areas of Cultivation of

GMOs in Portugal

Portugal is at position 22 in countries with transgenic crops in 2012,

with 5 million ha planted.

In Portugal the cultivation of GMOs are only of transgenic corn.

The corn crops have a transformation named as: MON810

Genetically modified with a gene to survive pests.

The main reason for the cultivation of transgenic corn by portuguese farmers are resistance to

attack by the borer, a pest that can reach serious proportions, affecting crops.

Cultivation of Transgenic Corn Number of Notifications Total Area (ha)

North 29 164,5

Center 55 774,2

Lisbon 54 2.322,1

Alentejo 120 5.796,2

Algarve 1 12,9

Azores (S. Miguel) 19 208,2

The National Total 278 9.278,1 Data Relating to a 23-08-2012

Example of products consumed

23 July 22, 2012

The Portuguese Environment Agency is

the competent authority in Portugal, this

theme.

In order to ensure the process sustainable

and safe use of GMOs, the European Union

has established a regulatory framework.

The basic legislation is

Directive 2001/18 / EC

of 12 March, which

entered into force on

17 October 2002.

Portugal

transposed

Directive through

Decree. No.

72/2003 of 10

April.

Legislation

It is essential increase the information available on this topic and transmit it to society to understand what GMOs are, and so express your freedom to choose, even though many technical aspects are complex, one has to know!

Thank you for your attention!