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-- OriginalOwner_ [tinyurl.com] writes:

from the no-frankenfood dept.

Telesur reports [telesurtv.net]

Venezuelan lawmakers approved [December 23] a new law that will impose stricter regulations on hybrid seeds and ban transgenic seed research. The legislative text mandates the state promotion of sustainable agriculture as the constitutional foundation of food security and rural development. [...] The seed law has the backing of campesinos [yourdictionary.com] and rural families and will regulate the production of hybrid seeds in Venezuela and prevent the research, production, importation, and distribution of GMO seeds.

[...]The Seed Law will also launch a National Seed System as the central body to implement the law and monitor and sanction any agricultural violations, with a focus on the protection of traditional seeds.

[...]Rural activists said the rejection of the Seed Law would have constituted a major setback for Venezuela's agricultural sector with big impacts for soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and the wellbeing of small farmers, according to [Agencia Venezolana de Noticias, the national news agency].

Venezuelan agriculture has been applauded by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization for its efforts to eradicate hunger and achievements in food security and food sovereignty.

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