Call for Withdrawal of 'Import Approval' Decision
Assessment Finds Long-Term Threat to Ecosystem
Approach Needed from Public Health and Food Security Perspective
Jeollanam-do has expressed concerns and strongly urged the withdrawal of the Rural Development Administration's decision in February to approve the import of genetically modified organism (LMO) potatoes (SPS-Y9) developed by the American company Simplot, following an environmental risk assessment.
On the 25th, Jeollanam-do released a statement from its spokesperson titled "Call for Withdrawal of Import Approval for US LMO Potatoes," stating, "Although the Rural Development Administration's 'LMO Risk Assessment Committee' determined that the risk of harm to the ecosystem was low based on evaluations of gene transfer and potential for weediness, important factors were not sufficiently considered in reaching this conclusion."
The province cited the following as grounds: ▲ Research published in 2008 by Friends of the Earth (FOE) showing that the use of LMO crops increases the use of pesticides and herbicides ▲ The ongoing concerns about ecosystem disruption caused by the unauthorized release of LMO canola seeds in 2018 ▲ The case of unauthorized production and distribution over eight years of a zucchini variety developed from LMO seeds in 2023.
They emphasized that once LMO crops are released, they are difficult to control and pose a long-term threat to the ecosystem.
In the statement, Jeollanam-do expressed concern, saying, "This decision opens the door for the first-ever import of LMO potatoes into Korea, and it is a significant issue that could deliver a major blow to our farmers, who are already struggling with rising agricultural input costs and abnormal weather conditions."
Furthermore, in order to protect public health and Korean agriculture, the province strongly recommended: ▲ The immediate withdrawal of the import approval following the crop risk assessment of US LMO potatoes ▲ Sufficient collection of opinions from farmers, consumers, and various sectors ▲ Prohibition of expanding the potato Tariff Rate Quota (TQR) and the establishment of practical support measures to protect potato farmers' incomes.
They also stressed that this is a complex issue directly related not only to the question of import approval but also to public health, agricultural sovereignty, and food security, and sternly urged the government to withdraw its 'import approval' decision for LMO potatoes.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
