RESOLUTION VITI 1/2006

VINE GENOME AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED VARIETIES

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

ON THE PROPOSAL of Commission I Viticulture,

CONSIDERING the scientific development of techniques for gene transfer in plants;

CONSIDERING the limited experience and scientific data concerning the consequences of genetically modified plants on the environment and their possible long term effects on public health,

CONSIDERING research being undertaken in the viticulture sector and the need to have greater knowledge of the genus Vitis genome;

CONSIDERING the interest of studies on genetically modified varieties and their potential development for the vitiviniculture sector;

CONSIDERING the need to coordinate these activities with other Commissions and groups of the OIV within the framework of the Strategic plan;

CONSIDERING the consumer attitudes to genetically modified organisms and food products produced therefrom.

CONSIDERING international work on genetic modification in other fora including, amongst others, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Convention on Biological Diversity;

WOULD LIKE TO REFLECT ON:

• The qualitative improvement of world production;
• Grapevine cultivars which evolve progressively while using selection, results of experiments and experience to the extent of becoming integrated with tradition;
• The responsiveness of consumers to these aspects;
• The evaluation of genetically modified varieties, on the basis of internationally agreed Guidelines and Protocols, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity, and taking into account not only their agronomic interest and product composition but also their safety for consumer health and for the ecosystem.

PROPOSES that each member country or group of member countries establish a coordinating  body for risk assessment and monitoring of genetically modified plant materials including grapevine varieties.

RECOMMENDS

• that the OIV collates existing research on the vine genome and genetically modified varieties;
• that the OIV presents the findings of that literature review to the Membership.
• the need to progress in studies, which are focused on a complete knowledge of the genus Vitis genome, also in anticipation of obtaining genetically modified plants;
• that, compared to the initial variety/clone, all changes of characteristics caused by the genetic modification are clearly described (including transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies as well as any new methods developed as appropriate).