It is not permitted to use genetically modified organisms for food or feed in Norway (updated november 2022). Only GM-carnations are approved.
Contained use and deliberate release of GMOs that can reproduce (living) is regulated by the Gene Technology Act. The purpose of the act is to ensure that the production and use of these organisms take place in an ethically justifiable and socially acceptable manner, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development and without adverse effects on health and the environment (Section1).
GMOs that cannot reproduce are regulated by the Food Act. The main purpose of the Food Act is to ensure safe and wholesome food, to promote health, quality and consumer concerns along the whole production chain, and to provide for sustainable production. (Section 1 first paragraph)
Svalbard Global Seed Vault is operated by NordGen in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the international organisation Crop Trust. It is the largest backup facility for the world’s crop diversity and offers long-term storage of seed duplicates from international, national and regional genebanks and institutions, free-of-charge. There are no genetically modified seeds in the vault.
