20 years of GMOs in Brazil: reflections for Lula 3.0

Abstract

Around 90% of Brazil’s soy and corn area is occupied by genetically modified crops. The study aims to present the characteristics of these crops to elaborate reflections grounded on the precautionary principle approach and the duty of the State to guarantee the sovereignty and food security. It elaborated on documentary analysis and bibliographic research. The results show that two seed companies own 38 of 74 authorized genetically modified crops of soy and corn; the main traits of these crops are herbicide tolerance and insect resistance; the precautionary principle has not been applied and the approval procedures are still challenged in court; sovereignty and food security are threatened, either by the monopoly of seeds or by conflicts between the food security law and releases based on the principle of substantial equivalence. For the Lula 3 government to defend the right to adequate food, it is urgent to initiate an agroecological transition.