Josmeyer: Non, non, non' to GM

Published: 23 July, 2008

Christophe Ehrhart, winemaker at Alsace producer Josmeyer, has hit out at the use of genetically modified vines.
Speaking at a lunch at London's L'Oranger restaurant, Ehrhart, who is a member of Biodyvin, an association of biodynamic wine producers, told Harpers that the whole concept of GM vines was a nonsense'.

He said: GM is just an exercise to make money for the big companies. I'm not against modernity and exchange between countries and cultures, but I think that GM should not be allowed, because once it's done, you can't go back.'

Last year, Ehrhart helped set up Terre et Vin d'Alsace, a sister association of Terre et Vin du Monde, a group of around 400 producers opposed to interference from the science fraternity. And in July, the French Ministry of Agriculture sanctioned the growing of 70 GM vines in a laboratory in Colmar, Alsace.

Ehrhart asked: Why are people investing in GM vines when there is a global surplus of 54 million hectolitres? Alsace is one of the world-leading appellations in biodynamics, and yet people have asked [Alsace] to do GM trials!

We are not against the GM research, but not outside of laboratories. They don't know enough about this technique and are not able to come back to the initial situation if there's a problem. They should try to understand the balance of nature before playing with fire.'

Ehrhart has joined the Renaissance des Appellations - Return to Terroir group, an association of around 150 producers, created by Nicolas Joly.

Ehrhart said he joined the group because we share the same spirit of excellence and authenticity'. He added that the group will be hosting a tasting at London's ExCeL on 17 May, as part of the London Wine Fair.

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