Citizen's panel on GMO’s cultures (2003)

The national Citizen's panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) cultures has taken place in 2003. Citizens, selected from a cross-section of society in 2 Belgian local councils, have worked at the request of federal (together with regional and local) executive, administrative and advisory authorities.

They have provided public authorities with an informed citizens’ report on GMOs cultures before that these authorities had to take a decision on the issue.

Interestingly, the panel was also commented as a unique experience for stakeholders to debate and express their points of views on such a controversial issue in an atmosphere where everyone showed great respect for each other.

The combination of local and national scales was an interesting innovation in the project.

More detailed information is available on:

• the objectives and methodology of a citizens' panel and as well as links to other citizens' panels initiated by the Foundation;
• this Citizen's panel on GMO’s cultures, only in French (information and publication) and in Dutch (information and publication).