Abstract
Brazil is one of the largest global producers of genetically modified crops and a center of origin and diversification of relevant species for agriculture and food. Transgenic monocultures occupy around 50 million hectares, whereas smallholder farmers, indigenous people, and traditional communities are responsible for in-situ/on-Farm conservation of local genetic resources. Based on 15 years of expertise in regulating GMOs and in cross-institutional agrobiodiversity conservation projects, this article discusses the challenges regarding the coexistence of these two agricultural models based on transgene flow detection in maize landraces. As part of a broad and unique participatory transgene-flow-monitoring process, 1098 samples of maize landraces were collected in the Brazilian Semi-arid Region between 2018 and 2021 and analyzed using immunochromatographic strips. The tests revealed 34% of samples with presence of GM proteins. It is concluded that the biosafety standards in force in Brazil do not allow the assurance of on-Farm conservation of maize. The sectors that contribute to agrobiodiversity conservation and do not benefit from using GM seeds are taking on the burden of this process. Transgene flow can be reduced by approving and enforcing more effective coexistence rules that consider maize landraces crop areas also as seed-producing areas added to full disclosure of commercial seeds origin.
Highlights
The risks of transgene flow into landraces and their wild relatives have been discussed since the mid-1990s with the first commercial releases of GM maize varieties [1,2,3]
Transgene flow into maize landraces was detected in 34% of the 1098 collections evaluated in two samples at the SAB (2018–2019; 2020–2021) (Figure 1)
Previous studies have confirmed the presence of transgenes in landraces without, discussing which strategies farmers have been adopting to monitor the risk of transgene flow considering the role they play in the on-Farm conservation of maize genetic diversity
Summary
The risks of transgene flow into landraces and their wild relatives have been discussed since the mid-1990s with the first commercial releases of GM maize varieties [1,2,3]. This unintended presence of transgenes in landraces has had effects on the economy [4,5,6], the conservation of the species’ diversity [7,8], farmers’ rights [9,10], and their sociocultural dynamics [5,11]. The breed locally known as “entrelaçado” is endemic to the region and is home to a great diversity of landrace varieties [21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
