Malaysian farmers, environmental groups call for rejection of GMO rice trial
Summary
A group of Malaysian farmers and environmental organizations wants the government to stop a test project involving genetically modified (GM) rice. They are concerned the GM rice could harm regular rice crops, the environment, and food safety.Key Facts
- The group includes 61 organizations representing farmers, consumers, and environmentalists.
- The project is a field trial for GM rice tolerant to glyphosate herbicide and resistant to diseases.
- The trial is proposed by Zen Cropscience and planned for northern Perak state.
- The group worries GM rice could mix with normal and wild rice, causing contamination.
- They fear increased use of glyphosate could create stronger weeds needing more chemicals.
- There are concerns that leftover glyphosate could end up in food.
- The group says Malaysia’s laws do not protect farmers well if their crops are harmed by contamination.
- The National Biosafety Board says the trial will be contained and claims the risk is low but has not completed all safety tests.
- Malaysia currently imports much of its rice and produces only about half of its consumption needs.
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