Based on a study carried out by specialists and in conformity with the principle of precaution, it has been decided to temporarily suspend its investments in those companies of the agro-chemical sector which actively promote genetically engineered (GE) products through the development and production of transgenic seeds. Thus ethos. will no longer invest in companies such as Syngenta and Bayer. This decision will of course be regularly revised.
On the other hand, investments in companies of the food-processing industry, such as Nestlé or Unilever, will continue, while taking account of the issues raised by GE products in terms of sustainable development. Specific criteria applicable to the problem of GE products will be integrated in the analysis of the companies concerned.
In addition, particular attention will be paid to developing an active dialogue with these companies and to supporting shareholder resolutions on GE products. Thus, for example, during the recent annual general meetings of General Mills and Procter & Gamble, ethos. voted in favour of resolutions requesting that these two companies take the necessary steps to identify and label all food products containing GE ingredients which they manufacture or sell. Approximately 9% of votes were favourable to each resolution compared with 4% for similar resolutions in 2000.
