Ecuador: Fears grow over possible ‘seed monopoly’

Various ecological groups have issued statements in recent days, expressing their concern over the possible creation of a “seed monopoly” in the country’s agriculture sector, should the General Assembly approve a controversial new law proposal, now making the rounds during the closing days of Ecuador’s current government.

“…There is pressure for this law to be passed, with these proposals being in favor of creating a seed monopoly which will restrict and affect the free sale of these products, harming small-scale farmers.” said José Rivadeneira, spokesman for the Coordinadora Ecuatoriana de Agroecología (Ecuador Agro-ecology Coordinator). In their view, these ‘pressures’ can be traced to major companies such as Monsanto “who are trying to control the entire production” of grains such as rice and corn – a view that has set off several alarm bells among rural communities worldwide.

The global market for seeds and agro-chemicals was shaken in recent weeks with the revelation of German powerhouse Bayer’s intentions to purchase leading GMO seed makers Monsanto. The deal is expected to create a globe-spanning behemoth, capable of altering the entire market and supply chain for a number of vital industries.

MIguel Carvajal, from the Alianza PAIS parliamentary group and president of the Assembly’s Commission for Food Sovereignty, agreed that “there are many weak spots, many faults in the law.” However, he was clear in saying the debate is not yet finalized: “This law seeks to develop better conditions,so Ecuador may push forward the production of seeds and carry out research to improve our handling of our native seeds, and the community and private companies that are in charge of them.”

Full Content: La Hora

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