GM crops expert says fight for Golden Rice, BT Eggplant not yet over amid moratorium
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
In April 2024, the Court of Appeals issued a cease-and-desist order on the commercial propagation of genetically modified crops Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant. This decision follows a Writ of Kalikasan issued by the Supreme Court in April 2023, in response to petitions from anti-GMO groups Greenpeace and MASIPAG, citing concerns over environmental safety due to a lack of data.
Despite Golden Rice passing the Joint Department Circular No. 1 and being deemed safe by various international food regulatory agencies, and Bt Eggplant being commercially planted in Bangladesh since 2014, the court’s decision highlights ongoing debates about GM crops’ safety.
Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, an expert in GM crops, stated at a recent biotechnology forum that the fight is not over. The Court of Appeals is simply requesting more information about these crops. The Department of Agriculture is now focused on providing the necessary data to make informed decisions for the country’s benefit.
Dr. Mamaril emphasized the importance of scientific data, acknowledging the concerns of Greenpeace and MASIPAG. He pointed out that Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant have passed multiple safety assessments and have a history of safe use.
“I believe that the scientists working on these projects have the best intentions. They aim to create products that benefit us all, not cause harm,” Dr. Mamaril added.
Despite Golden Rice passing the Joint Department Circular No. 1 and being deemed safe by various international food regulatory agencies, and Bt Eggplant being commercially planted in Bangladesh since 2014, the court’s decision highlights ongoing debates about GM crops’ safety.
Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, an expert in GM crops, stated at a recent biotechnology forum that the fight is not over. The Court of Appeals is simply requesting more information about these crops. The Department of Agriculture is now focused on providing the necessary data to make informed decisions for the country’s benefit.
Dr. Mamaril emphasized the importance of scientific data, acknowledging the concerns of Greenpeace and MASIPAG. He pointed out that Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant have passed multiple safety assessments and have a history of safe use.
“I believe that the scientists working on these projects have the best intentions. They aim to create products that benefit us all, not cause harm,” Dr. Mamaril added.
