"Hungary was among the first to say no to including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agricultural production, and this situation has not changed: the country must remain GMO-free", said the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Gyula Budai on Wednesday in Gödöllő.

The State Secretary made this statement with regard to the fact that the Ministry's Strategic Department is organising a GMO Roadshow during the course of November and December, aimed at raising the awareness of farmers and other interested parties. The Roadshow will visit eight major cities around the country, and the first stop was the Institute for Small Animal Research and Co-ordination Centre for Gene Conservation (KÁTKI) in Gödöllő.

In is opening speech, Gyula Budai stressed that agriculture is a strategically important sector in Hungary, included in which food production and water management are also of vital strategic significance. Those countries that succeed in retaining their independence in these areas are creating a competitive advantage, he added. "Hungary can be proud of that fact that it was among the first in Europe to say no to GMOs and was the first to set this down in its 2006 Parliament Resolution – achieved with the support of five parties", the State Secretary said. He emphasised that the Hungarian standpoint has not changed since than, and the new Fundamental Law has clearly defined everyone's right to a healthy way of life, a healthy environment and healthy food.

Gyula Budai also mentioned that those who argue in support of GMOs have not given up the fight, and attacks are an everyday occurrence. "The Dollar billions are still on the move", said the State Secretary referring to huge companies that employ GMOs. The next stop in the series of conferences entitled "Together for a GMO-Free Agriculture" will be the University of West Hungary in Mosonmagyaróvár on 21 November.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)