By The decision of the Court of Appeals to stop the propagation and planting of genetically modified organisms (GMO) like golden rice and Bt eggplant was welcomed by small farmers, scientists, and all those who advocate for a free food and farming system.
On April 19, 2024, the court issued a decision ordering to stop all field trials, feed testing, and commercial propagation of said GMOs in the country. Said decision also ordered the Department of Agriculture, Philrice, and other government agencies under Joint Department Circular No. 1-2021 to create a concrete mechanism that proves that golden rice, Bt eggplant, and many other types of GMO can be planted and safe for consumption.
It can be noted that the government approved the commercial propagation of golden rice in July 2021 and Bt eggplant in October of the same year, despite the call of various groups for an independent and in-depth study of its impact on the health and environment.
For the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), a network of small farmers, scientists, and NGOs, and the major petitioner of the case against said GMOs, the decision of the Court of Appeals is a victory for the farmers not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
The group added that the court’s decision was a recognition of the people’s constitutional rights to health and balanced ecology. It also recognized the risks brought by GMOs as well as the importance of protecting the biodiversity and health of the people.
This success, said MASIPAG, is a message for corporations and legislators that the development of agriculture relies on the collective strength of farmers and an agricultural system that prioritizes the environment and well-being of the people./PT
