In Lithuania, the Environmental information centre (EIC) has been working on the GMO issue since 1999. Their main activities in this field are active participation in national legislation drafting, public awareness raising campaigns and working with the media.
In 2002, EIC proposed the idea of GMO free zones in Lithuania during the International Conference on organic farming. The karst region of 194 000 ha in North Lithuania was one of the possible regions, as ground water isn't very deep in this area and sustainable agriculture and organic farming are promoted there extensively. The region also has the biggest concentration of organic farmers in Lithuania.
This year the campaign is set to expand even further including associations of organic farmers. The legal basis for GMO-free zones was included in the "Government's strategy on the usage of GMOs", which is not approved yet.
Environmental Information Centre
Jurgita Maciunaite
phone: +370-7-207 250
email: jurgita.maciunaite@gsm.lt
website: www.apicentras.lt