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1. Scientists' and Breeders' Call to Protect the Genetic Resources of Maize and its Relatives
2. GM threat to maize gene bank
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Scientists' and Breeders' Call to Protect the Genetic Resources of Maize and its Relatives
Whereas the genetic diversity of our crop plants is essential for the future of world agriculture, and
Whereas landraces and wild relatives growing in centers of diversity of crop plants play a particular role in the conservation of crop genetic diversity, and
Whereas genetically engineered organisms may pose a particular threat to centers of diversity, and
Whereas genetically engineered corn may pose a special risk to the corn genetic diversity found in Mexican landraces (criollo maize) and teosinte,
We call upon all governments to employ all means possible to prevent the contamination of Mexican maize and its wild relatives by genetically engineered corn varieties.
Signatories (affiliations noted for identification purposes only):
Peter Rosset, Ph.D., Institute for Food and Development Policy, USA
Gary Nabhan, PhD. Center for Sustainable Environments, Northern Arizona University, USA
Bruce G. Ferguson, Ph.D., University of Michigan, USA
Doreen Stabinsky, Ph.D., College of the Atlantic and Greenpeace, USA
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2. GM threat to maize gene bank
By FWi staff
FARMERS WEEKLY INTERACTIVE
27 September 2001
GREENPEACE has urged Mexico to adopt emergency measures to combat the first serious outbreak of genetic "pollution" in the gene bank of maize, in the state of Oaxaca.
Testing of maize varieties from 22 communities in the area has revealed genetic contamination in 15. Thirteen of these samples show between 3-10% contamination with the remaining two at higher levels.
The contamination originates from genetically engineered (GE) maize grains imported from the USA to Mexico to be used for food.
Bacillus thuringiensis genes have since been found in varieties in Oaxaca, and Greenpeace is concerned the toxin may affect beneficial insects.
Greenpeace has appealed to governments participating in the next meeting of the Biosafety Protocol in Nairobi, Kenya, to help Mexico protect the food crop and speed the implementation of protocol.
Raul Benet, executive director of Greenpeace Mexico said, "Mexico is the steward of global maize diversity.
"It is Mexico's responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect this crop."
"This diversity ensures global food security now and in the future. We cannot afford any more delays," he added.
Dr Doreen Stabinsky from Greenpeace USA this contamination of traditional varieties as "only the tip of the iceberg".
"All maize affected by genetic contamination, including wild plants, needs to be identified."
"The international community must now agree on immediate preventative measures to avoid further outbreaks of contamination into other centres of diversity," added Dr Stabinsky.
If Mexico accepts Greenpeace's plea, the first step in eliminating the source of contamination would involve banning all GE and GE-contaminated maize imports to the country.