Specialized laboratory on testing genetically modified plants to be created in Moldova

A specialized laboratory for testing genetically modified products and plants will be created in Moldova. The creation of the laboratory is included in the project “Support for the implementation if the national bio-security framework in Moldova” to the total sum of USD 680 thousand. The project is financed by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and is implemented by the UN Environment Program (UNEP). The Manager of the Program, Angela Lozan declared on Wednesday, September 4, at the launching festivity of the project, that hitherto the location of the future laboratory was not decided. In this respect, the experts will evaluate the infrastructure possibilities of different scientific centers from the country. According to the cited source, the testing Center for genetically modified organisms, which works within the frameworks of the Biology and Pedology Faculty of the State University of Moldova since 2004 could be used for this purpose. The project also includes developing a monitoring system of the imported genetically modified products. In this respect, specialists from different ministries and departments, including Customs Service will be invited in order to make proposals and elaborate the legal framework, settling the control procedures for the necessary documents of the imported goods. Within the frameworks of the same project, the national legislation in the bio-security field will be adjusted to the international standards. The administrative systems on the activity linked to using genetically modified organisms, adverse risks will be evaluated, and public’s informing system about the genetically modified products will be strengthened out. Although it is considered that by cultivating genetically modified organisms has great advantages, such as eradicating world hunger, the risks it carries out are not fully known yet. In 2002-2003 an increase of their cultivation areas was registered in the developing countries (4.4 mln hectares), as well as in the industrially developed ones (4.6 mln hectares). The annual global value of these cultures is estimated at USD 4.75 bln. The most popular genetically modified cultures are soy beans, maize, cotton and rape.