Peru: Growing Debate Regarding Genetically Modified Farming

[Derechos]

In Peru, the official signing of Decree 003 on April 15, which permits the import of genetically modified (GM) seeds into the country, continues to generate debate between those in favor of the widespread use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and those who fear it would be harmful to the country's biodiversity and the health of its people.

Despite some experts expressing their approval of GM seeds by claiming that the resistance and characteristics of the seeds will generate less agricultural waste, others are casting doubt over the supposed harmlessness of food produced from GM crops and are warning the public of the high probability that pollen from GM crops will cross-pollinate with wild and native crops, thus causing irreversible alterations to the traditional plant and fruit species which constitute part of the cultural and natural wealth of local communities.

The popular Peruvian chef, Gastón Acurio, is convinced that GM foods pose a threat to Peruvian biodiversity. Acurio drew attention to the alleged economic interests of the lobby groups who campaigned for the approval of Decree 003, and is now asking for “Peruvian interests to be prioritized and not those of individuals”.

The issue prompted the resignation of the former Minister for Agriculture, Rafael Quevedo, after he was revealed as a senior executive of a company which uses GM produce, as is highlighted by journalist Jackie Fowks in her blog Notas desde Lenovo.

Although Quevedo denied this claim, he was a staunch advocate of cultivating genetically modified crops in Peru. Moreover, one of his advisors, Alexander Grobman, owned companies which marketed GM seeds and has also just been dismissed by the incumbent minister, Jorge Villasante.

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2011/05/28/peru-growing-debate-regarding-genetically-modified-farming/

For more info see - Peru allows GM food imports

Peruvian president Alan Garcia and the Minister of Agriculture Rafael Quevedo signed a decree (Supreme Decree 003-2011) on April 15 to allow the import and planting of GMOs in the country.

In 2008 the decree was written, subjected to public discussion and amended accordingly. Then the opposition from the Ministry of the Environment and its minister Antonio Brack asked for a moratorium on the approval of GMOs, which delayed the signing until this April 15.

If passed in Congress the decree would give the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) the power of regulation, risk analysis and monitoring on applications for agro-GM field testing and production in Peru.

Lack of consensus among farmers, scientists, environmentalists and politicians has kept the country from establishing a prior biosecurity law.

Quevedo says a moratorium would threaten trade agreements and jobs. Quevedo also stresses that modern biotechnology will increase the productivity of local crops and improve the issue of food security.

Brack, the Minister of the Environment, says Peru should continue on the path of exporting GM-free products, with an emphasis on increasing the amount of organic products.

Renowned chef Gastón Acurio and Lima mayor Susana Villarán have added volume to the voice in support of the moratorium. On Monday the mayor promised to establish an ordinance "to declare Lima a GM-free region.”

http://greenbio.checkbiotech.org/news/peru_allows_gm_food_imports

[Judi Lynn]

1. Wishing best luck to the growing resistance to the filthy decision to accept GMO's in Peru.

You can count on people like Garcia to spare no expense paid by the poorest of the poor to line their own pockets in selling out their countries.

Hope the resistance will succeed. This is no game for the real people. It IS life or death.