One of the leading proponents of a moratorium in the ban on genetically modified products in Negros Occidental yesterday urged the provincial government to implement the ordinance fully, or risk becoming “discriminating” if it will only focus on preventing the production and use of GM corn.

Albert Lim Jr., Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association president, said he would rather see a full application of Provincial Ordinance No. 007, Series of 2007 if the administration of Gov. Isidro Zayco and anti-GM supporters want to make Negros a truly organic island.

If the province wants to impose the ban, it should not only be against GM corn, but for all GM produce and products like soybeans, insulin, dextrose, and those sold in multi-national fastfood outlets, Lim said.

He added that the ban will be “discriminating” if it will be only applied to GM corn.

Lim reiterated his and other livestock producers’ stand that the moratorium on the ban that they are asking is only until Negros is able to produce and supply enough organic corn to meet food and feed requirements.

He also said that they are not against the ban so long as the government has the necessary equipment to properly check if products are GM or not.

Lim also cited a letter sent by the Department of Agriculture to then Gov. Joseph Marañon about the ban, emphasizing its need to uphold national policies that support both organic and GM agricultural products so long as they have been approved to be safe for consumption.

Lim furnished the DAILY STAR a copy of the letter, which, he said, he also gave to the provincial ad hoc committee discussing the ban on GM products.

The letter, dated September 18, 2007, and signed by then DA undersecretary Bernie Fondevilla, states in part that it “will not prevent local initiatives to develop Negros Island into a center exclusively for organic products…”

Fondevilla, also said, however, that “with our policy position on modern biotechnology espoused by the national government and regulations and approval systems in place, the department is estopped from banning the GM products, which we have declared safe…”*PP

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