Genetic Engineering Policies within Israeli Agriculture
Genetic engineering represents a growing and sometimes controversial field within global agriculture. However, the geographic and climatological realities of some nations push them to invest in these agricultural technologies, particularly as the agricultural market becomes increasingly globalized and governments seek to secure food independence. This article explores Israel’s food and genetic engineering policies.
Genetic Engineering Policies within Israeli Agriculture
Even though the cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) crops is severely limited in Israel, this country is at the forefront of GE research and development. Current legislation in Israel only allows the cultivation of GE tobacco crops because this agricultural good is not consumed as part of the human food chain. Nevertheless, the Kashrut religious authority in Israel has already determined that GE foods can maintain their Kosher status. Furthermore, Israel allows the import of large amounts of GE products, particularly agricultural commodities from the United States. For example, during 2015, Israel imported 404.000 metric tons of soybeans and 1.5 million metric tons of corn, which contained GE products. Needless to mention, most of these imports arrive into Israel via maritime commerce.
It is expected that, during the coming years, Israeli legislation will be modified to allow the planting of a greater amount of GE crops, beyond tobacco. Meanwhile, Israeli universities, science centers, and other institutions remain at the forefront of GE research and advances. Furthermore, the seeds and products being developed are trademarked and registered with the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other relevant government authorities. The fact remains, that Israel, though tolerant towards GE products and goods, maintains a rigorous policy by which products entering the country or being developed within must meet the highest safety standards. On the other hand, though not prohibited by Israeli law, live GE animals are not regularly imported into Israel by any agricultural or cattle supplier.
The cultivation of GE crops for both human and animal consumption as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic use represents an important opportunity for Israel, particularly given all of the research that takes place within the country. Currently, all GE consumer goods, both imported and domestically produced, are subject to strict labelling laws. For example, any consumer good containing modified DNA or more than 0.9% of a GE organism must be properly labelled. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that public opinion in Israel regarding genetic engineering is not particularly polarized. This means that there is a real opportunity for a market of GE consumer goods to expand substantially. Ultimately, the final decision regarding changes in Israeli policy lies with the legislature as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and its National Committee for Transgenic Plants.
Investors, researchers, and producers within the GE agriculture market would be wise to maintain themselves informed with both Israeli advances in regards to these technologies as well as policy changes that might lead to new market openings.