Topic: 2024-GMOs and Food Security
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Kenna Charbauski
In the current age, discussions concerning the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to mitigate the global food crisis are increasingly urgent. Recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reports underscore the issue’s severity, with over 168 million people experiencing food insecurity. GMOs present a possible solution by increasing crop yield and resistance to pests. However, the impact of gene editing remains largely untested, and adopting GMOs prematurely could pose risks to both human health and environmental safety.
The Russian Federation faces minimal food insecurity and has vowed to complete extensive research and regulation before allowing any GMOs to enter the domestic market. Innovative and untested technologies bring risk to the Russian population, so it is imperative that the safety of all products is ensured by the state. Unless approved by the government, the Russian Federation bans the importation and cultivation of GMOs. Enacted in 2016, the Federal Law on State Regulation of Genetic Engineering requires all genetically modified(GM) products imported to and grown in Russia to be registered with the government. This framework allows Russia to approve and regulate GMOs through complete health and safety testing. In 2020, President Vladimir Putin signed the Food Security Doctrine(FSD), which facilitated the importation of GM soy and animal feed overseen by the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection. For consumer safety, all approved GM products (excluding animal feed) are required to disclose GMO content on the label. The FSD also provides federal funding for GM research, reflecting the Russian Federation’s commitment to developing safe GMO products by conducting trustworthy studies. GMOs used for research purposes are not subject to state registration so long as they adhere to current health regulations.
Strict regulation of GMO products allows the Russian Federation to focus on producing domestic organic food for its population. In the 2024/2025 marketing year, Russia is estimated to produce 81.5 million metric tons of wheat. Russian policies require that surplus wheat is given to food-insecure nations. In 2023 President Putin initiated bilateral agreements to supply wheat to six countries facing chronic undernourishment. The Russian Federation emphasizes the importance of growing organic food but recognizes the ever-pressing potential of GMOs. Although GMOs hold promise for the future, many are currently untested. The Russian Federation strongly urges for a ban on the distribution of potentially unsafe GMOs. It is important to remain precautious as the safety of GMOs has yet to be scientifically confirmed. Additionally, the Russian Federation supports the right of consumers to know the contents of their food and recommends all GM foodstuffs be labeled. The Federation also supports the continuation of a committee on GMOs to oversee research on the safety of GM products and register any new developments. The Russian Federation remains optimistic about new developments but discourages any hasty advancements. By promoting regulations and prioritizing safety, Russia aims to balance innovation with caution.
