Slovakia: Agricultural Biotechnology Slovakia 2018
Since acreage devoted to genetically engineered (GE) crop production peaked in 2008, Slovak farmers and politicians have gradually turned their backs on agricultural biotechnology. In 2017 (and 2018) Slovak farmers ceased planting Bt corn altogether, as demand for GE products has dwindled under the influence of anti-biotech non-governmental organizations (NGOs), retailers and neighboring countries (Austria, Hungary, and Germany). The Slovak government has altered its position, from accepting GE technology to setting the goal of making Slovakia a “GMO-free” zone. There is currently proposed legislation, which would allow limiting or banning cultivation on national level.