People around the world are beginning to awaken to the reality that the biodiversity of native and natural foods are under increasing assault from “genetically modified organisms” (GMO). Many countries have seen anti GMO protests and calls for GMO labeling laws; others have seen an increase in organic food production and outright bans on GMO food production and importation.

It is well known that the most GMO “friendly” country in the world is the USA, in fact, the USA is both one of the worlds largest importers and exporters of GM seeds and GM food. Many of the “Food Aid” programs the US government offers other countries are contingent upon the recipient country “accepting” GM food in particular GM grains. If the country does not want or accept the GM food then they are often refused the “Aid”.

It was with great pleasure that the National Taoism Examiner (NTE), recently learned that Peru has officially banned GM food; importation and domestic use.

“Peru’s executive has approved the regulations for the law that prohibits the importation, production and use of GMO foods in the country. Violating the law can result in a maximum fine of 10,000 UIT tax units, which is about 36.5 million soles ($14 million). The goods can also be seized and destroyed, according to the norms. The law, which was approved by President Ollanta Humala … is aimed at preserving Peru’s biodiversity and supporting local farmers, Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal said. (Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times)”

The transition will not be easy nor without its challenges, however, as some estimate that as much as 70% of the food on supermarket shelves contain GM ingredients. Peru does require GMO labeling, which will give the consumer a choice and a sense of moral purchasing power.

There is much at stake for the nations of the world and hopefully other nations will follow the excellent example being led and demonstrated by Peru with regards to banning or at the very least greatly restricting GMO production and use.

“Besides protecting an increasing export industry of organic and native products, the ban protects Peru’s exceptionally varied native plant species —the import and use of GM seeds for corn, for example, would eventually destroy the different and multicolored species grown in the Andean region. (Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times)”

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