PRESS RELEASE

New report: GM crops increase pesticide use and fail to alleviate poverty

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM), KUALA LUMPUR (MALAYSIA), LAGOS (NIGERIA),January 13th, – Genetically Modified (GM) crops have led to a massive increase in pesticide use and have failed to increase yields or tackle world hunger and poverty, a new report by Friends of the Earth reveals today.

The report coincides with the annual release of biotech industry figures on GM crop cultivation around the world.  Friends of the Earth International’s GMO coordinator in Nigeria, Nnimmo Bassey said: "GM crops have failed to deliver the long-promised benefits of the biotech industry. Instead, increased pesticide use caused by these crops threatens the environment and communities around the world.”

Independent Newspapers 

Consumers in Nigeria and the entire West African sub region may begin experiencing the health hazards associated with biotech products if the result of a laboratory test of rice samples from the countries are anything to go by, participants at a one-day public awareness forum on "Biosafety Issues and Experience Sharing" in Benin City, have warned.

Of the 47 samples of 17 brands of rice on the market shelf in the three countries that were used for the test, it was confirmed that there was a preponderance of GMO varieties; Liberty Link Rice 62 (LLRICE62) and LLRICE601 in two.