Rise in GM crops in Brazil alarms industry watchdog
War on Want partner the Alternative Agriculture Support Service (AS-PTA) has expressed major concerns about the rate at which genetically modified (GM) seeds are being approved for commercial use in Brazil. The organisation, which raises awareness of the dangers of GM seeds, has linked the rise in GM crop cultivation to the growing influence of multinational agribusiness.
The watchdog AS-PTA recently challenged the impartiality of the National Technical Commission for Bio-safety, a regulatory body set up by the government in 2005 to monitor the effects of GM crops on human health, the environment and growth of non-GM crops. AS-PTA has criticised the relationship between many of the Commission's members and multinational companies that deal in GM crops. Dr. Lia Giraldo resigned from the Commission over concerns about its bias, declaring that "the majority of those who are involved are biotechnology specialists and have a direct interest in the development of genetic engineering, whereas only a few are actually specialists in bio-safety."
AS-PTA has also accused the Commission of lacking "scientific rigour" and ignoring the safety procedures set out in the Cartagena Protocol, an international agreement which Brazil has signed that seeks to protect biological diversity from the risks posed by modern biotechnology.
The rise in GM crops has led to an increase in the use of powerful chemical pesticides, many of which are banned in other countries. Agro-chemical firms wield enormous political influence, and in 2008 industry lobbyists tried to block the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency from carrying out a safety assessment of agrochemicals used to cultivate GM crops. It was only after pressure from civil society groups, including AS-PTA, that the decision was overturned, allowing the survey of agrochemicals to proceed. The results of the study, released in 2009, revealed that a total of 12 agrochemicals were in breach of health regulations.
Despite these findings, multinational agribusinesses continue to win approval for their products. According to an AS-PTA spokesperson, "we only need examine the list of requests for authorisation filed with the National Technical Commission for Bio-safety to see how genetically modified seeds will play a big role, particularly in the expansion of the pesticide market."
AS-PTA plays a leading role in the GM-Free Brazil Campaign, a coalition of Brazilian NGOs, social movements and individuals who exert pressure on the government to implement effective forms of control over GM crops and dangerous agro-chemicals. The long-term goal of the coalition is to eliminate all GM crops from Brazil. War on Want is proud to support AS-PTA's work promoting alternative and sustainable agriculture based on small-scale farming projects.
Image copyright: Elcio Carriço
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