Bolivia gives up GM crops in 5-year transition plan

By Carmelo Ruiz-Marrero
Americas Program Biodiversity Report

Bolivian president Evo Morales decreed a five-year transition period in which to eliminate genetically modified (GM) crops from the national territory, as well as a process for rescuing local seeds in order to promote food sovereignty.

“The process of recovering food sovereignty in Bolivia has had to overcome various obstacles,” commented Radio Mundo Real.  “In addition to the problem of the Brazilian latifundistas who appropriated vast areas of land without pause for decades, the penetration of GM seeds is a true ‘Trojan Horse’ in the popular project of Evo Morales and Bolivian campesino organizations.”

“Obviously, we cannot support the assertions of the giant agribusiness consortia which see hybrid and GM seeds as the solution for the problem of world hunger,” said Oscar Mendieta-Chávez, advisor in the Rural Development and Lands Ministry.

“These GM seeds are not the product of nature or of God, and therefore rather than being of benefit to the campesino farmer, they risk contaminating wild, local genetic resources as well as consumers,” the functionary added.

Meanwhile, Chile and Costa Rica organizations continue to battle GM crops. Read more: http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/2528

Source:

Radio Mundo Real. “Ultimátum: En el plazo de un lustro Bolivia estará libre de transgénicos”. May 31 2010. http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/Ultimatum

For more information: http://bioseguridad.blogspot.com/search/label/Bolivia

H/T GM Watch.