WHEREAS, international and field level experience shows that biotechnology increases crop yields, improves farmers' income, promotes sustainable agriculture and food security;

WHEREAS, in the case of corn production in the Philippines, losses are substantial ranging from 30 to 80% due to the Asian corn borer;

WHEREAS, through biotechnology, seeds have been developed which have built-in resistance to pests such as corn borer, significantly improving income by cutting losses, offering low cost seeds to farmers and minimizing misuse of farm chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment;

WHEREAS, genetically engineered crops meet the safety and regulatory requirements as all other foods in the marketplace. There are approximately 56 genetically modified plant products approved for local consumption in countries such as US, Canada, Japan, the EU, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, China, Russia, Romania, Malaysia and Australia;

WHEREAS, biotechnology products are being produced worldwide with total production levels reaching 55 million hectares. This is spearheaded by the United States of America with more than 60% and 40% of their soybean and corn production areas respectively, planted to biotechnology-produced crops;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to conduct field trials to generate data that will help ascertain the appropriateness of this technology to the Philippine setting and facilitate informed decisions on the various issues concerning biotechnology;

NOW RESOLVED, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved that:

1. The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the private sector, academe and farmer's organizations, to be actively involved in educating the consuming public through dissemination of accurate information on biotechnology and its products; and
2. The government to support the conduct of multi-Iocational field trials of biotechnology products in Mindanao;
3. Field-testing should abide with all biosafety regulations;
4. In the event that the government adopts a policy on commercialization of genetically modified organism (GMO), farmers should be given the option whether or not to use GMO seeds; and
5. Government research agencies should not relegate research solely to private research institutions. Government should do a parallel research and study/action in intensifying research on GMOs.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of the resolution be furnished to the government agencies concerned.

ADOPTED this 5th day of June, 2001 at the Board of Trustees Meeting.

Signed:

JOJI ILAGAN-BIAN
Chairperson
Mindanao Business Council