Brazil environment minister seeks GMO ruling delay

www.planetark.org

BRAZIL: February 6, 2003

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Brazil's new Environment Minister Marina Silva yesterday asked the federal advocate general to suspend a ruling due on Feb. 14 on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The ruling concerns a request by the previous government of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso that an environmental impact study was an unnecessary precondition for legalizing the commercial production of GM food.

In a statement, the Environment Ministry said that the new government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, which took office on Jan. 1, needed more time to re-examine the issue.

In addition, the National Environmental Council, which controls GMO licensing, decided in June 2002 that it was up to the Environment Ministry to implement the measures.

Brazil is one of the few major agricultural producers that still bans the sale of GM seeds and foodstuffs.

Bioscience seed companies like Monsanto (MON.N) have been trying for years to persuade Brazil to authorize commercial GM crops. Monsanto is seeking approval for its Roundup Ready soybeans that need less herbicide protection and allow farmers to make considerable cost savings.