GMOs Petition: support a science-based biosafety assessment of biotech crops and products

A Call to parliament to stop the proliferation of non-scientific, sensational and unethical reports against the use of foods derived from genetically modified crops (GMO crops).

We the undersigned:

Acknowledge the reality that the South African population is increasing, making food security the most important social issue for the foreseeable future. Crop production will have to be doubled or tripled to meet the needs of the expected population increase; the challenge is that land suitable for agricultural production is not expanding and the effect of climatic change is already affecting crop production.

There are number of ways by which agricultural productivity can be increased in a sustainable way, including the use of biotechnology. A significant number of South African farmers (commercial and small scale) have derived benefits from planting the GM maize, soya and cotton that are resistant to insect pests and herbicides. These crops have been grown and consumed in South Africa for the past 15 years without any negative effects on the health of consumers and the environment.

In addition, a number of scientific risk-assessment studies performed around the world have also proven that these crops are safe for humans, animals and environment (ref 1). We are confident that the present GMO Act of 2007 is sufficient to ensure that South Africans continue to enjoy the benefits of modern biotechnology without exposing them to unacceptable levels of risk.