January 15, 2004

Illegal Brazilian GMO Soy Crop Sealed Off

Soybean fields in the southwest of Parana were sealed off by state authorities after testing positive for genetically modified organisms, the state's governor's office said Wednesday.

The Brazilian government, for the first time, allowed the planting of GMO soybeans this season (October-September) but the soy crop was deemed illegal as the owner had not signed an agreement to observe new GMO rules.

The farm, located near the town of Pato Branco, was tested following an anonymous tip.

Many farmers did not sign the agreement, demanded by the federal government, as it didn't reflect the modifications made by Congress to the terms under which farmers could plant GMOs.

Under the agreement, farmers are liable to pay royalties on their illicitly produced GMO seeds, while, under the terms of the new bill, they are not.

The situation in Parana state, were only 464 farmers signed the agreement, was made extremely complicated by a state law, later overruled, banning GMOs.