More than 50 international organic organizations have expressed solidarity with the GMO-Free Negros Coalition in its campaign against the proposed Negros Occidental GMO Regulatory Ordinance.
Edgardo Uychiat, a World Board member of IFOAM Organics International, disclosed the support during the ongoing 8th Organic Asia Congress in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, which runs from Sept. 17 to 19.
Themed “Organics for a Better Future,” the congress gathered policymakers, experts, farmers, and advocates from across Asia.
IFOAM Organics Asia president Mathew John underscored Negros Island’s global identity as a GMO-free zone, saying it has built a strong reputation in organic agriculture.
“In two years’ time, we will be having the Organic World Congress there. It’s a pity that after building such a strong statement to the rest of the world, we are now having a space where GMOs could dilute the strength of organic agriculture,” John said.
He stressed that people from Negros, the Philippines, and abroad should share concerns over GMO entry, warning that it could destroy biodiversity and undermine the gains of organic farming on the island.
The influx of global support comes as local protests intensify.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government confirmed it has received copies of manifestos of support for the proposed ordinance from local stakeholders.
Among the signatories were Caridad I Agri Cooperative and the Sumbingco Hog Raisers Association, both members of the Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (AHRANO).
The groups said regulated GMO corn production would help lower feed costs and strengthen food security.
The proposed ordinance seeks to lift the 18-year-old GMO ban imposed under Provincial Ordinance No. 07, Series of 2007, which prohibits the entry and cultivation of genetically modified organisms in Negros Occidental.*