Bolivia looks to GM soybeans, cotton and sugar cane to boost flagging agricultural production

The administration of the [Bolivian] president, Luis Arce Catacora, promised to make viable, after a technical study, the use of biotechnology in three crops: soybeans, cotton and sugar cane.

The data was confirmed by Isidoro Barrientos, president of the Agricultural Chamber of Small Producers of the East (Cappo), who announced that the sector will continue to meet with the Government to coordinate mechanisms to increase agricultural production.

The Minister of Economy, Marcelo Montenegro, reported that the ministerial cabinet abrogated Supreme Decrees 4139 and 4181, which he argues put Bolivia’s sovereignty and food security at risk and favored large exporters and importers

Follow the latest news and policy debates on sustainable agriculture, biomedicine, and other ‘disruptive’ innovations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Regarding free exports, [Barrientos] revealed that the Government initially proposed a ceiling of up to 60% for the foreign market and 40% for the domestic market. However, the producers explained that internally the country only needs 20% of the production and that the remaining 80% must be exported.

“We are in crisis, and we need to increase our production is something that the authorities are very clear about,” he said.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Spanish and has been translated and edited for clarity.

Read the original post

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.