March 18, 2005

Argentina government ignores Monsanto threats against their GM soy

The Argentine government dismissed intimidating threats by Monsanto Co to fine Argentine exports of genetically-modified soy to Europe.

Monsanto and the Argentine agriculture ministry failed to reach an agreement on the payment of royalties for the use of genetically-modified Roundup Ready soybean seeds by local farmers.

In the last few days, Monsanto has warned that it would impose a fine of US$15.00 per tonne of genetically-modified soy that reaches Europe, where the company's seeds are patented.

According to the agriculture ministry, Monsanto maintained a thuggish attitude despite the meetings and discussions held to find a solution to establish a suitable legal framework for the marketing of the seeds. 

They added that the government would not stay passive in the face of these threats and would act in due course.

Argentina is the world's third largest soy exporter, behind the US and Brazil.

Over 95 percent of Argentina's soybeans are genetically-modified.