Paraguay: pushing back on GM maize8 October 2010
The spread of genetically-modified (GM) crops in Paraguay is becoming a huge problem - displacing communities and encouraging deforestation.
For years big businesses have been cultivating illegal GM crops across Paraguay.
This began with the production of GM soy, which has now become widespread.
Ignored by the previous Government, big companies were able to expand and encourage farmers to use GM.
Now a new crop - GM maize - has been introduced illegally, threatening all maize exports from Paraguay.
Making a stand
This time the government food agency SENAVE stepped in to uphold the law by destroying fields of GM maize.
We collaborated with Friends of the Earth Paraguay (SobreVivencia) and wrote letters to the Paraguayan president, Government and media in support.
Our work generated significant media coverage across Paraguay.
Opposition
But influential business interests have mounted a strong opposition. And on 6 September they gained permission to continue.
We're working to overturn this decision.
