AFTER some indecision, Brazil’s vice-president last week signed a decree legalising the growing of genetically modified soybeans.
The decision, which applies for one season only, was forced on the government by the actions of farmers, who have been smuggling in GM soya seeds from neighbouring Argentina. It is estimated that 30 per cent of the country’s crop is GM, rising to 70 per cent in some areas. Biotech giant Monsanto, which has not been able to collect royalties from farmers growing its crop, has been lobbying hard for approval, with the help of the US government.
The decision is fiercely…
