Genetic modification, in vitro techniques and ethics

In ethical committees and public debates the emphasis is on the so-called extrinsic concerns the risks for human health, for animals and for the environment. Most methods of risk analysis look only at the consequences and the effects of genetic engineering within the framework of a utilitarian ethics (weighing costs and benefits). 

The rejection of GMOs in organic agriculture is based more on a different perception of risks than upon the presence or absence of scientific proof that risks exist objectively. The perception of risk from an organic perspective is based on a holistic view of life. 

It is the dynamic complexity of the organism or ecosystem as a whole that leads to unpre- 

These considerations are not yet implemented in the Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements and have only appeared as draft standards for 2002-2005 (see http //www.ifoam.org/about ifoam/ standards/norms/draft standards/draft standards.html). 

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