Cultivation of genetically modified crops to be prohibited on Venezuelan soil

Venezuelanalysis.com writes: President Hugo Chavez Frias has announced that the cultivation of
genetically modified crops will be prohibited on Venezuelan soil, possibly establishing the most
sweeping restrictions on transgenic crops in the Western Hemisphere. Though full details of the
administration’s policy on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are still forthcoming, the statement by
President Chavez will lead most immediately to the cancellation of a contract that Venezuela had
negotiated with the US-based Monsanto Corporation.

Before a recent international gathering of supporters in Caracas, President Chavez admonished
genetically engineered crops as contrary to interests and needs of the nation’s farmers and farm
workers. He then zeroed in on Monsanto’s plans to plant up to 500,000 acres of transgenic soybeans in
Venezuela.

"I ordered an end to the project," said President Chavez, upon learning that transgenic
crops were involved. "This project is terminated."
President Chavez emphasized the importance of food sovereignty and security — required by the
Venezuelan Constitution — as the basis of his decision. Instead of allowing Monsanto to grow its
transgenic crops, these fields will be used to plant yuca (an indigenous crop), Chavez explained. He
also announced the creation of a large seed bank facility to maintain indigenous seeds for
peasants’ movements around the world.

http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=17960