QUEZON CITY, Philippines (19 April 2024) —Today, the Court of Appeals has ruled against the commercial propagation and/or conduct of activities relating to genetically modified crops, including Bt Eggplant and so-called Golden Rice.
Reacting to this, Greenpeace Southeast Asia campaigner Wilhelmina Pelegrina said:
“This decision is a monumental win for Filipino farmers and Filipino people who have for decades stood up against genetically modified (GM) crops.
Greenpeace commends this decision and is honored to be part of the movement that supported this work spearheaded by Filipino farmers, who will ultimately benefit the most from the decision.”
“In this decision, The Court of Appeals has essentially put a moratorium on these genetically modified crops. In doing so, the CA has upheld the constitutional rights of Filipinos and the government’s duty to serve the interests of the people rather than that of agrochemical companies.
“Significantly, the decision firmly upholds the Precautionary Principle and puts the burden of proof for safety on the respondents. Greenpeace has constantly noted that GM crops have been approved in the Philippines despite the lack of robust data on safety assessments submitted by proponents. GM crops have never been proven safe, and have hindered necessary progress on climate resilient ecological agriculture that keeps the control of seeds on our farmers.
“We reiterate our stance: the involved companies and agencies have yet to show concrete evidence that these crops would be in the best interest of Filipinos, our environment, and our agricultural sector.
“Given this development, the onus is on the Department of Agriculture to instead promote sustainable agricultural solutions that would prioritize nutrition, provide ample resources for our farmers, and ensure resiliency as we face the worsening impacts of the climate crisis.”
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Note to editors:
[1] Greenpeace: SC decision on GM crops vindicates farmers, food movement
Media Contact
Karl Orit, Communications Campaigner
Greenpeace Philippines
+639194571064
Discussion
Just tell me what damage this crop does. It has been developed to help malnutrition and also starvation, as it is more resistant to adverse growing conditions. I woukd have thought that this would actually benefit farmers, in that they would not lose a crop. I am shocked that Greenpeace could campaign to have tbis banned.
There has been an article in the Guardian today that this decision could contribute to severe Vitamin A deficiency and death, that Golden Rice wasn't being forced on farmers by Big Biotech. I'm a Greenpeace supporter but generally I trust The Guardian. I would like to hear a response from Greenpeace.
Golden Rice
Well done Greenpeace for exposing this false solution to vitamin A deficiency that could have contaminated farmers' organic and saved varieties.