GRAIN supports the struggle against GM crops in Asia
Having been established in the Philippines since 1996 and India since 2001, GRAIN has found itself working more and more directly with different groups in the region. Many of these groups work with grassroots organisations on sustainable agriculture and local advocacy. One of the main and present dangers being faced in the region is the introduction, legally and illegally, of genetically modified (GM) crops.
Through the years, GRAIN has worked in partnership with different organisations on their campaigns, helping to come up with information and analysis and catalysing actions around GM-related issues. One of these, The Long March for Biodiversity, was instrumental in persuading the Thai government to ban open field trials of GM crops in April 2001. Organised by BIOTHAI, with the active support and participation from GRAIN, this week-long caravan covered six major provinces in Thailand, bringing information to and catalysing campaigns at the grassroots level. It brought in groups from other parts of Asia and was instrumental in furthering linkages in the region.
In 2000, GRAIN embarked on a joint project looking at current trends in agricultural research and development in Asia with BIOTHAI (Thailand), KMP (Philippines), MASIPAG (Philippines), PAN Indonesia, the Philippine Greens, UBINIG (Bangladesh) and a number of university-based professionals. This project produced a number of publications on, amongst other things, “golden rice” (rice genetically engineered to produce vitamin A) and hybrid rice (see www.grain.org/publications). These groups and individuals continue to be active players in the fight against GM crops and intellectual property rights on biodiversity and associated knowledge.
In April this year in the Philippines, NGOs, activists and farmer-leaders belonging to the Network Opposed to Genetically Modified Organisms! (NO GMOs!) launched a hunger strike specifically demanding a halt on the commercial introduction of Monsanto's Bt corn. This act drew widespread support worldwide and has raised public awareness about GM crops in the country. After enduring for 30 days without food, Roberto Verzola of the Philippine Greens vowed to continue the fight and deepen the reach of the movement in the Philippines.
In India recently, GRAIN has been working with the Andhra Pradesh Coalition in Defence of Diversity, a coalition of more than 140 civil society groups has been busy spreading the word about the failure of Bt cotton in Warangal, India (see p 13). GRAIN has been and continue to support these and other farmers groups and individuals, NGOs and activists fighting against the corporatisation of agriculture, which undermines the rights of farmers and farming communities' and control over their means of production. GRAIN's role has always been a supportive one - providing timely and relevant information and analysis, responding to requests and linking groups in the region. While the fight goes on, we look forward to establishing more linkages with farmers groups in the years to come.