Brazil may have its first transgenic wheat crop

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Thursday, June 10, could be a landmark for Brazil: the vote to decide approval for the first transgenic wheat in Brazil was scheduled for that day.

The National Technical Commission for Biosafety (CTNBio), linked to the Ministry of Science and Technology, analyzed in its 242nd ordinary meeting the import and commercialization of HB4 wheat, created by Argentine Bioceres and brought to Brazil by TMG (Tropical Genetic Improvement).

The genetically modified winter cereal was launched in the neighboring country last year, having as its main attraction the high resistance to water shortages. This feature is considered by specialists as essential to make the crop viable in several places in Brazil – which could contribute to increased offer, achieve self-sufficiency and ensure food security, since Brazil is still dependent on the external supply of this agricultural product.

However, the approval of transgenic wheat is surrounded by controversy, contested by several sectors. Among the oppsoition to the GMO winter cereal is the Brazilian Association of the Wheat Industry (ABITRIGO), which represents the industry that produces wheat flour and derivatives.

Last year the association released a note rejecting this scientific innovation, justifying that HB4 did not offer “evident benefits to people, being the exclusive object of the search for increased productivity in the field.”

Several activist organizations against agribusiness, such as the Campaign Against Pesticides and for Life and the Biodiversity Working Group of the National Articulation of Agroecology (ANA) are also againt genetically modified wheat. The organizations sent a letter to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in an attempt to block CTNBio’s decision.

Source: Agrolink