Approval of Brazilian Transgenic Beans Has Social Importance, Says ANBio

SAO PAULO, September 15, 2011 -

- First GMO fully developed in Brazil will benefit family farmers, reducing damage caused by pest that comes to destroy 85% of conventional bean crops

The Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) approved today the first GMO fully developed in Brazil, transgenic beans resistant to “golden mosaic” virus, which is transmitted by “whitefly.” Researcher Leila Oda, president of the National Biosafety Association (ANBio), said Brazilian-developed transgenic beans benefits both producers and consumers.

“Besides being the first 100% national transgenic technology, there will be a very positive impact on a crop that is predominantly grown by small producers,” said Oda, who is also a former president of CTNBio. “Benefits are many for both farmers and for the many millions of Brazilian consumers.” The seed of genetically modified (GMO) beans was developed by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), a public research institution linked to the federal government.

Oda also noted that, in Brazil, beans are a crop of great social importance, produced mainly by small producers, with about 80% of production in acreage properties with 100 hectares or less. Besides, beans are one of the main foods consumed by Brazilians, and the main source of vegetable protein, iron and many vitamins.

“This approval represents a great relief to producers, since the golden mosaic virus causes up to 85% loss of bean crops in Brazil, an amount that could feed up to 9 million to 18 million more people”, says Oda. Brazil is the world’s largest beans producer and consumer. World production of beans is over than 12 million tons.

Safe food

According to ANBio’s president, the Brazilian transgenic beans are safe for human consumption and do not differ from the traditional beans, one of the most popular meals in Brazil. “All GMOs produced in the Country are fully reliable because they are rigorously checked, case by case, before being released, following the Brazilian Biosafety Law, which is considered a reference and one of the most rigorous in the world,” she said.

Oda emphasizes the importance of biotechnology to increase food production. “At a time of food crisis, when the world has a growing need for food production, safer seeds and more efficient seeds are the best alternative to ensure good crop yields,” she said.

About ANBio

The National Biosafety Association (ANBio) was established in 1999 with the purpose of disseminating information about advances in modern biotechnology and its control mechanisms. ANBio promotes knowledge on the biosafety practices as well as training and guidance from professionals who implement the biosafety in research and teaching institutions in the biomedical area. More information: www.anbio.org.br

More information to the Press:
Bruno Viecili
bruno@barcelonasolucoes.com.br
Barcelona Solucoes Corporativas
+55(11)3034-3639

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