Syngenta for import of its genetically modified maize
on may 12, Syngenta South Africa Ltd, a subsidiary of the Swiss agrochemical Syngenta, made public its application with the South African authorities for allowing import of its genetically modified (gm) maize, Event 3,272, for use in the production of ethanol.
This is the first gm application for commercial approval in the world for a non-feed, non-food gm crop. The application was simultaneously launched in the us, the European Union and China.
Syngenta's attempt has sparked large-scale furore in the country with anti- gm activists protesting against it along with domestic sugarcane and maize farmers, who consider it a threat to their livelihood.
South Africa had phased out the use of leaded fuel in early 2006, opening the doors for ethanol to be used as an additive. "Syngenta wants to cash in on the booming ethanol market by importing its gm maize that grows in countries like the us and Argentina,' says an activist.
gm maize being sold by Diversa Corporation in the country uses the same technology as Syngenta. Syngenta, which has substantial shares in the company, cites their example to claim a market for itself in the country.