U.S. raises concerns over proposed GMO moratorium in Costa Rica

(Stock/Archive)

June 1^st, 2015 (InsideCostaRica.com) The United States is expressing its concern over a proposed 15-year moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified crops and seed, known as GMOs, working its way through Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly.

Especially concerning to the U.S. is that the bill, known as Draft Law 19477, is receiving the support of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).

The US’s concern was expressed in a May 26^th letter sent to Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Alexander Mora by Ambassador Darci L. Vetter, the US’s chief agricultural negotiator.  The letter was obtained and published by the daily La Nacion on Friday.

“I am writing to raise a serious matter for your urgent attention regarding efforts in Costa Rica to impose a moratorium on cultivation of agricultural biotechnology products,” the letter begins.

“I understand the Costa Rican government has stressed the importance of new technologies to the productivity and competitiveness of Costa Rican farmers.  Genetically engineered crops have created economic and environmental benefits, allowing farmers to use fewer and safer pesticides while improving crop yield, and increasing farmer income.  There is a successful track record in Costa Rica of production of genetically engineered seed, and Costa Rican researchers are working on the development of several genetically engineered products to address agricultural challenges in Costa Rica,” Vetter’s letter continues.

“I was therefore surprised and disappointed to learn about efforts within your government, I believe at the Agriculture Ministry, to impose a moratorium on cultivation of agricultural biotechnology products, including as proposed through the draft law 19477.

I request your assistance in raising this issue within the Costa Rica government for consideration of the severe potential negative impact of this proposed moratorium, including on science-based decision-making, innovation and investment in Costa Rica as well [as] the close partnership between our two countries through the CAFTA-DR,” Vetter concludes.

Public opposition to GMOs

Public opposition against GMOs has been on the rise in Costa Rica since at least late 2012.  In December of that year, demonstrators from across the country made a one-week, 200-kilometer march from the northern province of Guanacaste to the Ministry of Agriculture in San Jose against a plan to introduce genetically modified Monsanto corn into the country.

Continued demonstrations and public outcry throughout 2013 led at least 80% of the country’s cantons (counties) to declare themselves “GMO-free,” though the draft law being debated in the Legislature would be the first nationwide moratorium on GMOs.