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Austria continues to be one of the leading forces in Europe opposed to the use of agricultural biotechnology. Anti-biotech NGOs, who have a strong influence on Austrian consumers, farmer organizations, the food-processing sector, and the retail sector all campaign against genetically engineered agricultural and food products.

Genetically-engineered (GE) products are highly politicized in Germany. As the EU takes gradual steps towards potentially liberalizing NGTs, German public debate is beginning to shift from a general rejection of GE towards discussion regarding possible liberalization of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).

While acceptance of innovative biotechnologies is gaining some traction within informed stakeholder groups, Austria continues to be one of the leading forces in Europe opposed to the use of agricultural biotechnology.

Decision making around GE crops is highly politicized in Germany. The German government is conflicted and has not issued an official statement on the EU Commissions proposal to deregulate the genetic engineering law yet.

This report includes information on the status of plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology in Austria. The nation continues to be one of the leading forces in Europe opposed to the use of agricultural biotechnology.

Public rejection of genetically engineered (GE) plants in Germany is widespread. There is no commercial GE crop production and practically no food labeled as containing “genetically modified organisms” (“GMO”) on the market. Despite this, Germany is home to world-class companies that develop and supply GE seeds globally from facilities outside the European Union. Germany’s livestock industry is a major consumer of imported GE soybeans for use as animal feed.

Hot topics of the 19th international “Fuels of the Future” congress included the EU’s Green Deal and “Fit for 55” package, biofuels and its alternatives (e-mobility, hydrogen, electricity-based fuels); CO2 pricing; and market conditions for biofuels and their feedstocks.

Climate change is an increasing challenge for Austrian agriculture and Austrian agricultural policy. The Austrian government tries to counteract the adverse effects of the climate change through specific climate protection programs and measures.

Public rejection of genetically engineered (GE) plants in Germany is widespread. There is no commercial GE crop production and practically no foods labeled as containing “genetically modified organisms” (“GMO”) on the market.

This report includes information on the plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology situation in Austria. Austria continues to be one of the leading forces in Europe opposed to the use of agricultural biotechnology.

After recent unsuccessful attempts to totally ban glyphosate, the Austrian parliament voted unanimously on a partial ban.

On April 13, 2021, the German Cabinet agreed on four draft laws to transpose the European Union (EU)’s new common agricultural policy (CAP) into national law.