Mass production of genetically modified food could begin in Russia

The Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences is preparing a decree on 'legislative control over research in the area of biotechnology and agricultural crops and animals with a view to their future production in Russia.' As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, this was announced yesterday by Lev Ernst, vice-president of the academy, at the international conference Genetically modified foodstuffs: assessment of safety, legislation and marketing. He said the decree should be passed within the near future.

'The document outlines our objectives in this area on a limited budget and demands faster research into genetic engineering with a view to creating new kinds of genetically modified crops and animals,' the academic said. He added that 'the document will mean that part of the necessary research will be completed in the near future and the mass production of genetically modified food will get under way.'

Mr Ernst did not specify when the decree will be submitted for consideration.