March 9, 2007

 

Colombia approves GM corn  
 

 

Colombia has allowed genetically modified (GM) corn to enter its borders for the first time, and will authorise plantations of other GM products later in the year.

 

The Colombian Institute of Agriculture (ICA) approved one hundred kilogrammes of GM corn for import last month, half of which is resistant to herbicide and the other half to insects.

 

Andres F. Arias, from the Ministry of Agriculture, says growers from four regions of Colombia -- cordoba, Huila, Sucre and Tolima -- will be allowed to buy the seeds.

 

Ana Luisa Diaz, of ICA said authorisation has been given only to regions where the Institute has done controlled biosafety assessments.

 

The ICA will conduct follow-up biosafety studies of the seed from planting until harvest.

 

Arias also announced approval of semi-commercial plantations of GM cassava, rice, roses, sugarcane and coffee later this year, with commercial approval to be granted in 2008.

 

But some groups are concerned about the developments on GM issues.

 

German Velez, from the non-governmental organisation Grupo Semillas said the biosafety policies and rules in the country have become nonsense.

 

Velez is concerned that the GM products will cross-pollinate and therefore alter the natural species of these plants. He pointed to a case in Mexico, where he says natural corn has been contaminated by GM corn.

 

However, he acknowledged that studies have not yet determined GM products' effect on human health.

 

Arias defended GM products, saying they increase crop production per hectare and therefore boost farmers' incomes while reducing pressure on natural ecosystems.

 

Osiris Ocando, from Agro-Bio, a non-profit organisation, applauded the government's decision. He hoped Colombian farmers could make use of a wide variety of GM corn seeds, as it is "essential that the Colombian agricultural sector is able to use modern technology to enhance its competitiveness".

 

Colombia is one of the 22 countries to have planted GM seeds. Of its cotton plantations, 41 per cent (22.7 hectares) are of GM variety.