Russia to increase production of GMO despite scientific uncertainty

Date:07-25-2013

The Government of the Russian Federation approved a "roadmap" for the development of biotechnology and genetic engineering, to increase the production of GMOs. The move will be done to catch up with the rest of the world in this segment of the market. The document, posted on the website of the government, says that the global biotechnology market has been developing rapidly and is expected to reach two trillion dollars by 2025. Russia's share in the global biotechnology market accounts for less than 0.1 percent. Moreover, Russia does not manufacture genetically modified products in several segments of the market.

The Russian Ministry for Economic Development has developed an action plan in the field of biopharmaceuticals, biomedical, industrial biotechnology, bio-energy, agri-food biotechnology, forest biotechnology, environmental biotechnology and genetic engineering to develop research, production and cooperation, as well as improve state regulation and personnel training.

By 2018, Russia is to achieve the following volumes of biotechnological products: in the sphere of consumption - 300 billion rubles; in production - 200 billion rubles; export - 50 billion rubles.

The plan is expected to be realized, despite the fact that scientists are still undecided, how the consumption of GM food affects the human body.