Germany’s wine grapes go GMO – experimenting with genetically modified organisms
Germany recently began its first experiment in using grapes containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to make wine, despite widespread opposition in the country to altered foods. The vines were modified with genes from barley to protect the grapes from fungal infections. The Institute of Wine Cultivations said there would be no noticeable difference in the wine’s taste. About 30 environmentalists protested when workers from the state-funded institute planted approximately 130 young grapevines near Siebeldingen, which is in a major wine-growing region in southwest Germany. Many Germans refuse to buy genetically engineered produce, which by law must be clearly marked. The first wine made from the altered grapes will not hit store shelves for several decades.
COPYRIGHT 1999 Sparks Companies, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
