Law on Circulation of Genetically Modified Organisms.

The Law determines principles for circulation of genetically modified organisms in Latvia. Its purpose is to achieve high level of safety in all stages of circulation of genetically modified organisms in order to prevent the negative impact on human and animal health or the environment, to preserve biological diversity, to promote the development of sustainable agriculture and biotechnology, as well as the co-existence of genetically modified crops concurrently with organic and conventional farming. The Law prescribes the competence of State authorities, the rights and duties of natural and legal persons, the principles, supervision and control for the circulation of genetically modified organisms including those for co-existence of modified crops, public participation, liability and legal protection of persons, as well as security measures and circulation of information for the prevention of any possible emergency situation. The Cabinet may specify restrictions or prohibitions on growing of genetically modified crops permitted in the European Union: (a) in protected areas in order to prevent risks to the biological diversity of the particular territory; and (b) for a particular genetically modified crop in Latvia or separate territory thereof, in conformity with the environmental policy objectives, agricultural policy objectives, land use policy, spatial development planning documents, socio-economic considerations, attempts to avoid the presence of genetically modified organisms in other products, or other reasons arising from the State policy. The activities related to the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and genetically modified organisms may be performed by a scientific institution which has been registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions or a legal person. The food products the labelling of which includes an indication that these food products contain genetically modified organisms, consist of or is produced from them shall be placed for sale separately from other food products at sales points so that they could be easily identifiable.