• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Livestock and poultry raisers have endorsed the passage of the proposed Negros Occidental genetically modified organism (GMO) regulatory ordinance, which they said offers a balance and practical solution to animal production and business viability challenges.
In a manifesto of support, they said the proposed ordinance maintains the province’s “organic food bowl” identity by regulating the introduction, planting and cultivation of GMO or BT corn within the province exclusively for animal feed purposes.
They added that the policy will lower feed cost, provide livelihood opportunities to farmers, stimulate the province’s economy by reducing importation from outside sources, and promote food security by strengthening the livestock and agriculture sector.
The signatories of the manifesto of support, including the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, Negros Occidental Layers Association, Association of Broiler Integrators of Negros Occidental, Alliance of Hog Raisers of Negros Occidental, United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros, and Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators, called on the provincial government leaders to consider the long-term benefits of the ordinance for farmers, animal raisers, and consumers alike.
“Supporting the regulated GMO corn production in Negros Occidental will not only uplift our agricultural economy, but also contribute to the overall welfare and food sufficiency of the province,” they pointed out.
The Agriculturist Diversified Commercial Rice/Sugar Farmers in Kabankalan City also expressed its support to the proposed regulated GMO ordinance, saying that organic farming alone has not fully ensured the food security, supported the poorest sectors, nor achieved the vision of making Negros Occidental the “organic basket of Southeast Asia.”
By allowing the responsible use of GMOs, Negros Occidental can take a significant step toward securing its future, the group said.
“Most importantly, the ordinance promotes inclusivity, which balances the continued growth of organic farming with the freedom of choice for those who wish to pursue other legitimate science-based approaches,” Joval Gargantiel, who represented the group of farmers, said in a letter to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. | GB
