Representatives from PELUM-Kenya also participated and shared their experiences. The position taken by civil society and small scale farmers is to support traditional agriculture. The objectives of the workshop were to develop policy action and research, as well as to raise public awareness around GMOs and their implications
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals or micro-organisms produced in laboratories. Genetic modification or genetic engineering involves the transfer of genes between species that are unrelated in nature. This modification results in the production of GMOs or transgenic organisms.
Industrial agriculture is (large scale) commercial farming of mono-crops by using hybrid or patented seeds e.g. GMOs. This type of farming is very mechanized, water intensive and uses a lot of inputs. One of the critiques given of public policy in support of industrial agriculture and GMOs was that it causes problems such as; land degradation, soil erosion and biodiversity could cease to exist.
Dot Keet, from Alternative Development Centre, gave an enlightening presentation on ‘Food Sovereignty and Food Security – within a global system.’ She defined food security as access to land, water and seeds (for the farmer) and access to affordable, appropriate and healthy food for the urban dweller. She criticized how South Africa has become a net importer of food, which she says “has deviated the country from getting food security”. She also emphasized the need for greater self reliance. Keet stated that this could be achieved through a reduction in importation of goods and increased production of crops that South Africa can produce. She concluded by discussing the need to be cautious when developing countries sign trade agreements, as some of them cripple instead of develop the economies.
A declaration was complied on the final day of the workshop and it focused on the need for the South African government to acknowledge the risks that come with GMOs. A call was made for the government to support the small scale farmers financially and through its policies. The declaration demanded that government should communicate with and educate the public about GMOs, trials that maybe taking place in the country and give citizens the liberty to choose what they are eating. The labeling of seeds and food that contain GMOs was also emphasized by participants. The overall message from civil society and small scale farmers was the need for more government support and better communication as well as education on alternatives to GMOs.
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