Venezuela Rejects the Production, Distribution, and Importation of GM Seeds
The country of Venezuela, through its National Assembly, has approved a law that will ban GMOs and prohibit seed-patenting.
Its aim is to promote sustainable agriculture and real food security. Grassroots efforts for years has finally culminated in the passing of a law that prohibits Monsanto, Bayer, Dow, Syngenta, and others from controlling the seed supply and poisoning the people.
- The creation of a national seed institution which will audit crops, and actively pursue those who violate the GMO ban.
- Peasant seed will be protected. It will not be hybridized through biotechnology, nor patented. Neither will it be threatened with cross-contamination by GM seed.
- Natural cross-breeding will be allowed, as it has been used for centuries, and seed saving and sharing should also be promoted.
Furthermore, the SEED LAW proposal was developed by a partnership between the communal spokespersons and the legislative and executive branches of government. This example of the “People as Legislator” represents the organized expression of popular power in its push back against competing stealth legislation that would open the door to transgenic seeds and the kind of legislation we see made in America, where corporate groups make shady deals behind closed doors (such as with the DARK Act and the Trans Pacific Partnership.)
According to Anna Roth, senior editor of Civil Eats, a news source for “critical thought about the American food system:”
“H.R. 1599 would negate all of these laws, and more–according to the Center for Food Safety. The preemption language in the bill would nullify over a hundred local laws that, directly or indirectly, regulate genetically engineered crops.”
Way to go Venezuela! You have had the steadfastness to overcome the biotech industry in your country, and your activists have helped to create legislation that is more transparent.
Hi there I am in Venezuela and regarding this Law it has not been passed. The Assembly was about to pass it last week, but because of administrative matters the approval was postponed, not sure if its for this week or before the sessions close on January 4th of 2016.
I dont know where you got the information that it had passed
“The National Assembly of Venezuela, in its final session before a neoliberal dominated opposition takes the helm of legislative power on January 5, passed one of the most progressive seed laws in the world on December 23, 2015; it was promptly signed into law by President Nicolas Maduro.”
http://venezuelanalysis dot com/analysis/11798
The question now is whether it will stand – due to the right-wing nature of the neofascist opposition that now controls Parliament and is itself controlled by corporations (including Monsanto) and Big Money.
USA! USA! has been trying to overthrow Venezuela for years. I.e., the corporations that now control nearly every aspect of US government and citizen life are trying to overthrow it. The socialist reforms made under Chávez benefited the non-rich, and the plutocracy can’t stand it. Recently, e.g., a millionth house was provided to a family in need.