Ecobreves – MEXICO: No Profits from GM Crops, Says Greenpeace

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MEXICO CITY, Jul 26 2010 (IPS) - Yields from genetically modified (GM) crops did not provide additional economic benefits for the farmers in many countries, and the same could happen in Mexico, according to a study by the environmental organization Greenpeace. The report “Tran$genic Crop$: Zero Profit$,” presented Jul. 19 in the Mexican capital, cites the cases of GM rice, soybeans, cotton and maize in the United States, cotton in Colombia and China, and linseed in Canada.

“Experimental cultivation is not replicable in a commercial context, we are not prepared to protect against the contamination from GM crops, Aleira Lara, Greenpeace Mexico's sustainable agriculture campaign coordinator, told Tierramérica.

Since October 2009, the Mexican government has issued 24 permits to companies for experimental planting of GM maize.

Stagnant yields, additional costs, contamination and market closures are some of the negative effects reported that are associated with GM crops.