92% of the soybean produced in Bolivia is transgenic

Within six years, 92% of the conventional soybean crop in Bolivia has been replaced by transgenic varieties. Since its authorization in 2005 and until the introduction of the Law of Productive Revolution on June 26, it was the only genetically modified product allowed in Bolivia.

To date, approximately 45 varieties of soybean are being cultivated. According to the National Association of Oilseed Producers (Anapo), alone this year six new varieties have been introduced.

"These are high-yield products that allow lowering production costs,” says Demetrio Pérez, President of Anapo, who assured that the new varieties produced in the country are the result of many years of field trials.

30% of the soybean production is internally consumed as flour and oil, while, the husk is the main part consumed by the dairy sector. On the other hand, soybean cake (for bird food) and oils are the principal Bolivian exports, according to a study by Hernán Zeballos, former Superintendent of the Regulation System of Renewable Natural Resources.

The former authority declared that 92% of the soybean produced in Bolivia is transgenic and that its varieties are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. They yielded 2.3 tons per hectare, which means a saving of USD 80 per hectare according to the study Bolivia: oilseed sector development 1980-2010.

Pérez emphasizes that the use of GM soybean has allowed his sector to overcome problems related to conventional seed, such as, high production costs and the difficulty to control the crop because of weeds and diseases.

With this experience, Anapo hopes to test other genetically engineered crops under the Law of the Productive Revolution. This norm, in article 15, prohibits the introduction of modified organisms into technological or transgenic entities, of which Bolivia is the centre of origin and diversity, as well as, the introduction of modified organisms, which may endanger biodiversity, genetic heritage, population health and life.

Therefore, it leaves open the entrance of modified organisms, of which Bolivia is not the centre of origin şifalı bitkiler, such as: cotton, sunflower, rice and sugar cane, which are products of interest to the producers of Anapo.

According to the leader of the soybean farmers, the government should encourage the production of transgenic seed in order to guarantee food safety.

In a public act şifalı bitkiler, President Evo Morales declared by enacting the law that its goal is to promote agricultural development and food safety. Meanwhile, other government officials claimed that the law protects the Bolivian crops such as potatoes, quinoa, cañahua and others.