• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Livestock and poultry raisers have endorsed the passage of the proposed Negros Occidental GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) regulatory ordinance, which they said offers a balanced and practical solution to challenges in animal production and business viability.
In a manifesto of support they signed, they said the proposed ordinance maintains the province’s “organic food bowl” identity by regulating the introduction, planting, and cultivation of GMO or BT corn within the province, exclusively for animal feed purposes.
They believed that the policy will lower feed cost, provide livelihood opportunities to farmers, stimulate the province’s economy by reducing importation from outside sources, and promote food security by strengthening the livestock and agriculture sector.
The signatories of the manifesto of support, include the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, Negros Occidental Layers Association, Association of Broiler Integrators of Negros Occidental, Alliance of Hog Raisers of Negros Occidental, United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros, and Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators. They called on the provincial government leaders to consider the long term benefits of the ordinance for farmers, animal raisers, and consumers.
Supporting regulated GMO corn production in Negros Occidental will not only uplift our agricultural economy but also to contribute to the overall welfare and food sufficiency of the province, they pointed out.
The Agriculturist Diversified Commercial Rice/Sugar Farmers in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, also expressed support for the proposed regulated GMO ordinance, saying that organic farming alone has not fully ensured the food security, supported the poorest sectors, or achieved the vision of making Negros Occidental the “organic basket of Southeast Asia.”
By allowing the responsible use of GMOs, Negros Occidental can take a significant steps toward securing its future, said Joval Gargantiel, who represented the group of farmers.
Most importantly, the ordinance promotes inclusivity, which balances the continued growth of organic farming with the freedom of choice for those who wish to pursue other legitimate science-based approaches, Gargantiel said in the letter to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.*
