WHITE CORN IN THE PHILIPPINES:
Southeast Asia
Contaminated with Genetically Modified Corn Varieties
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WHITE CORN IN THE PHILIPPINES: Contaminated with Genetically Modified Corn Varieties Overview
p. 4
Corn production in the Philippines – the importance of white corn
p. 6
Status of Genetically Modified (GM) Corn in the Philippines
p. 9
Greenpeace Investigation of GM Contamination of White Corn in the Philippines
p. 12
Other incidences of maize contamination worldwide
p. 14
Implications of GM contamination
p. 15
Recommendations and Demands
p. 16
Annexures
p. 18 3
Overview
White corn is one of the most important food crops in the Philippines. After rice, it is the staple food of 20% of the population, primarily in the Southern Regions of the Visayas and Mindanao. The crop is also economically important as it is a major ingredient of poultry and livestock feeds as well as a raw material in many industrial products. In 2010, total corn production was valued at Php70B (US$ 1.7B). Filipino farmers have traditionally planted open pollinated varieties (OPV) of white corn that allowed them to save seeds from their harvest for the next planting season. Traditional OPV planting also make it possible for farmers to exchange seeds and breed varieties that are better adapted to the environment. Unfortunately, these traditional OPV of white corn for planting may soon be lost to farmers as Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) contamination is already happening from genetically modified corn varieties that are patented and owned by agrochemical companies. Testing conducted by Greenpeace shows that the white corn variety in Mindanao has already been contaminated by genetically modified (GM) varieties of corn. Analysis of samples purchased in a market in Mindanao showed the presence of two varieties of GM corn. The levels of contamination found were substantial, with percentages of up to 40% GM varieties.
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GM corn is sold in the Philippines, primarily as yellow corn. How the contamination of the white variety occurred is unknown. Another unknown is the extent of the contamination. It is also not clear if this GMO has contaminated other maize crops in the Philippines. But one thing is certain: maize breeds freely with other variety over long distances. The result of the testing proved one thing GM crops cannot be controlled in open field settings. Clearly, the government needs to undertake further testing to evaluate the extent of GM contamination and take action to contain GM contamination and save the nation’s traditional seed varieties which are crucial for the preservation of the country’s agriculture. Unfortunately for our farmers and consumers, this report shows the evident failure of a government regulatory agency to safeguard our traditional seed varieties from GM varietal releases. The research conducted by Greenpeace revealed the lack of proper implementation of RA 7308 or the “Seed Industry Development Act” which mandates the government to “conserve, preserve, and develop the plant generic resources of the nation and provide the local industry protection against unfair competition from imported seeds.” The National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) has admitted a lapse in the government policy regarding seed registration. It says that their
registration policy is voluntary and that seed registration prior to selling has just become a common practice and is not a requirement. While our research has shown that GM maize has already caused high levels of contamination in white corn in the Philippines, we face another threat to our seed biodiversity. It appears that Golden Rice, yet another GMO, may soon be commercialised in this country. Field trials have been completed and the next level of regulatory process for its commercialization is underway. Despite strong opposition from farmers, environmental and religious groups, consumers and breastfeeding advocates, the government has been approving the propagation and commercialization of GMOs. It is likely that GM Golden Rice will result in genetic contamination of conventional and traditional varieties of rice. Once released into the environment these organisms cannot be recalled. To keep rice GM free, the government must stop the Golden Rice commercialization now.
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Corn production in the Philippines – the importance of white corn Next to rice, corn (or maize, Zea mays) is an important food crop in the Philippines, a staple food of 20% of the Filipino population1, primarily in the southern regions of the Visayas and Mindanao2. To the estimated 1 million corn farmers in the Philippines3, the crop is also economically important as major ingredient of poultry and livestock feeds and as raw material in many industrial products such as starch oil, artificial sweeteners and organic liquids4. The total corn production in 2010 was valued at Php70B (US$1.7 billion)5. Based on 1990-2005 figures, around 22% of the total corn supply in the country was consumed as food, 64% as feeds, 13% for processing into other food product and 1% as seeds6. The trend is also true for 2011 figures with 63% of total supply used for feeds, 21% as food, and 13% for processing7. The general varieties of corn planted in the Philippines are yellow and white. While yellow corn (young corn, popcorn and sweet corn) are edible, most of this variety is intended for industrial use such as feeds and raw materials for industrial products. The yellow corn variety, which contains yellow fat, is favored as feeds over white corn because it gives poultry and livestock meat a good color8. White corn, on the other hand, is used as substitute for rice in times of hardship. In places where rice is the main staple,
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Usage of Corn 1990 - 2005 6
Usage of Corn 20117
Food Feeds Processing Seeds
white corn is consumed as vegetable or snacks. White corn is commonly referred to as the poor man’s rice. In terms of production area, averaging the 1990-2005 figures, white corn was planted in about 61% of total corn area, while yellow corn is planted to only 39% (Annex I). Notably, from 2005 to 2012, the areas where yellow corn was planted increased from 39% to 50%. In 2011, corn consumption was estimated at 1.5 M metric tonnes (Annex III), whereas total white corn production was estimated at 2.15 M metric tonnes (Annex IV). Assuming that white corn is the variety primarily consumed, then there was a surplus of 0.65 M metric tonnes of white corn. While there is no national accounting to show as to where the surplus of white corn had gone to, it is reasonable to assume that white corn gets mixed with yellow corn for feeds and processing. From 2000 to 2011, corn consumption ranged from 1 M to 1.7 M metric tonnes, whereas white corn production ranged from 1.8 M to 2.5 M metric tonnes. More white corn was produced than consumed. This is probably part of the reason why the Department of Agriculture (DA), in 2010 started promoting white corn as an alternative to rice. Apart from surplus production, it is thought that diversifying the diet - in particular consuming white corn - will help in curbing the country’s rice shortfall and help to reduce rice imports. The Department of Agriculture9 is also promoting white corn as a healthier staple than rice because of its low glycemic index. White corn is slower to digest, resulting in a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstreams, thus lessening the risks of diabetes, which is a major cause of death in the Philippines10. White corn also contains more protein, lysine and tryptophan, dietary fiber, minerals, and antioxidants than rice. Lysine aids in building
muscle tissue, recovering from injury or surgery and absorbing calcium effectively. It also helps the body produce antibodies, enzymes, and hormones while tryptophan is needed for normal growth in infants11. After recognizing the value of white corn as a staple food, several government programs have promoted it as an alternative to rice. An example is the “Adaptation and Dissemination of Newly Developed Improved White Corn Varieties as Alternative Source as Staple Food”12. This program was established to support the production of white corn and expand its promotion at a national level including the establishment of a more stable supply of white corn and producing varieties for the preferences of the different regions. Globally, there are thousands of different varieties of corn, many of these have contrasting colors. In Mexico for example, where corn originates, corn can be yellow, orange, purple or white. In the Philippines, Mexico and elsewhere, hybrid maize is generally yellow while “landraces”, or traditional varieties of corn (where farmers save and exchange seed) can be many colours. In the Philippines, white corn is favoured as a staple or substitute to rice because of its taste and eating quality while hybrid yellow corn13 is produced primarily for 50% of livestock mixed feeds14. Other coloured corn (e.g. purple) is not grown widely in the Philippines. White corn is also primarily used as ingredient in cooking - mostly for desserts and specialty foods such as Maja Blanca, a type of pudding consisting primarily of white corn and coconut milk – in other parts of the country. The main white corn growing regions in the Philippines are Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City), Autonomous Region
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of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Central Visayas. (Annex V). Farmers in these regions prefer to grow white corn due to its higher selling price as compared to yellow corn. Filipino farmers have traditionally planted open pollinated varieties (OPV) of white corn that allowed them to save seeds from their harvest for the next planting season. This also made it possible for farmers to exchange seeds and breed varieties that are better adapted to the environment. These are not possible with hybrid seeds where farmers need to sell the entire harvest and buy new seeds that will be used for planting in the next cropping season. Although some farmers save hybrid seeds for the next season, the yield declines each year, so farmers are forced to buy new seeds every season.
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Status of Genetically Modified (GM) Corn in the Philippines
Genetically modified (GM) corn varieties from Monsanto and Syngenta were introduced to the Philippines in 2002. These fall into two broad categories: 1. Insect-resistant GM (Bt) varieties. These contain inserted genes from the soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These genes produce a toxin which is toxic to certain maize pests. Different Bt varieties are toxic to different maize pests, ranging from the Asiatic corn borer, army worm and cutworm. 2. Herbicide tolerant GM varieties. These contain genes that make the GM plant tolerant to certain herbicides. In this case, the herbicide in question is Monsanto’s Round Up, and the GM seeds are called Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” (RR). In 2002, GM corn was first approved for cultivation in the Philippines. Since then, it is estimated that more than 685,000 ha, or 27% of the total corn cultivation area devoted to corn is now planted with corn varieties15. Most of the GM corn varieties are yellow in color, except for one variety being sold by Pioneer Hi-Bred in General Santos City which is white in coloration and sold as P3640WR16. This variety contains the Roundup resistance gene from Monsanto. This is alarming since most people who are aware of GM corn planted in the Philippines think that the commercial varieties being
propagated are only yellow corn, thus this commercial sale of GM white corn variety is critical. If farmers, seed developers and other consumers are not aware that there is GM white corn variety sold in the market then there is no way for them to segregate the traditional seeds from GM seeds. A check with the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) registry for approved seed varieties showed that this GM white corn variety has not been registered for sale by Pioneer Hi-Bred. The NSIC17 says that the registration policy is voluntary, however it is common practice for seed companies to register the seed before selling it. NSIC mentioned that upon checking, the original white corn variety had earlier been registered with their office, while the roundup GE trait that was inserted into the variety has been granted an earlier and separate approval by the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant and Industry (DA-BPI). Hence, as stated by NSIC, both the white corn variety and the gene inserted to produce this particular GM white corn have been granted approval – only separately. NSIC claims that technically, no specific law has been violated by Pioneer Hi-Bred in selling this particular GM white corn seed variety as the registration of seeds prior to selling is not a government requirement but only a
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company policy. NSIC however admitted the need to evaluate the said variety for particular agronomic performance even if it is already being sold in the market18. Unfortunately, NSIC’s statement actually contradicts with what is stated under the Philippine law. It is a violation under Republic Act 7308 or the “Seed Industry Development Act” which mandates the government to “conserve, preserve, and develop the plant generic resources of the nation and provide the local industry protection against unfair competition from imported seeds.”19 The policy thrust prohibits and penalizes under its Section 15 the “Importation in commercial quantities of species of seeds that are being produced
locally” to protect the local seeds. More worrying, genetically modified white corn will bring about unfair competition between foreign patented GM white corn and the local un-modified corn industry since there will be no means of recall once contamination happens. This is even worsened by the fact that Filipino farmers and consumers have no knowledge about the difference of GM and non-GM corn. The case mentioned above shows the failure of regulatory agencies, such as the NSIC to monitor GM varietal releases. Seed registration must protect seed buyers and should provide them with the needed information about agronomic performance of a variety. The release of GM white corn variety - that precedes the evaluation
Table 1 Area of GM Corn Cultivated in the Philippine Island Groups 2003 – 2011 (ha)20 2003
2004
2005
Bt Corn LUZON 10,158 48,516 43,735 VISAYAS 24 534 445 MINDANAO 587 10,706 5,829 Total 10,769 59,756 50,009 RR Corn LUZON VISAYAS MINDANAO Total Stacked (Bt + RR) LUZON VISAYAS MINDANAO Total Pyramided LUZON VISAYAS MINDANAO Total
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
85,702 103,438 405 2,551 10,693 16,604 96,800 122,593
68,301 298 13,053 81,652
38,507 0 9,516 48,023
37,115 0 3,120 40,235
19,331 0 1,874 21,205
11,685 54,509 4,2424 8,295 10,384 56,589 26,493 120,023
5,471 4,571 41,443 51,485
3,518 2,790 40,501 46,809
642 0 8,048 8,690
4,295 800 9,943 15,038
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
3,879 232 469 4,580
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
59,346 158,520 183,771 373,079 452,730 2,472 7,074 8,006 5,366 17,011 9,641 48,844 40,618 115,153 173,924 71,279 214,438 232,395 493,598 643,665 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
4,537 922 5 5,464
GRAND TOTAL 10,769 59,756 50,009 127,873 313,895 347,575 327,776 542,522 685,372
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Figure 1 Area of GM Corn Varieties Grown in the Philippines 2003 - 2011 700,000 600,000
Hectares
500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 Bt Corn RR Corn Stacked (Bt+RR) Pyramided
The area of GM corn with stacked traits which combine herbicide tolerance (RR) and insect resistance (Bt) has increased, whilst those with single traits have decreased.
of agronomic performance that should have been conducted by the NSIC/DA-BPI- is a disservice to the Filipino people. Initially “single trait” varieties of GM seed were sold on the market based on their insect resistant or herbicide tolerant traits. However, since 2007 (see Table I), adoption of single trait GM corn products has decreased and adoption of “stacked trait” varieties has increased. These stacked trait varieties are crosses between single trait Bt and RR varieties so they are both herbicide tolerant and insect resistant. More recently, “pyramided traits” have been cultivated since 2011 (Table 1). These are crosses between different types of insect resistant (Bt) varieties, so the GM crop is resistant to more than one type of insect.
Currently, there are five varieties of single trait corn varieties being sold for propagation, these are: Monsanto’s MON810 (Bt), MON89034 (Bt), NK603 (RR), Syngenta’s Bt11 (Bt) and GA21 (RR)21. While there are 3 varieties of stacked trait corn approved for propagation, these are: Monsanto’s MON810xNK603, MON89034 xNK603 and Syngenta’s Bt11xGA2122. Since 2002, despite strong opposition from farmers, civil society organizations and some religious and environmental groups against the cultivation of GM crops, the Department of Agriculture has allowed their use and production, and even provided subsidies to encourage farmers to adopt GM corn23.
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Greenpeace Investigation of GM Contamination of White Corn in the Philippines Sampling and Analysis
Results
In conducting the investigation, a Greenpeace researcher purchased samples in Sultan Kudarat, in the Philippine island of Mindanao. Four samples of white corn grits were purchased from different stores in Tacurong market (see Table 2) in December 2012. To have ample amount for analysis, 2 kg of each sample were purchased. Corn grits comprise ground corn so each one of these samples represents a mixture of many maize kernels (or grains). No further processing (e.g. drying) was necessary. One sample of white maize kernels was purchased from Sitio Palamak, Barangay Chua, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, also in December. Three (3) kg was purchased, a larger amount than the required samples as grits as each kernel represents an individual pollination event so 1,000 kernels were needed to get a 1 in 1,000 (0.1 %) detection limit.
All samples tested positive for both the GM varieties of MON810 (Bt – insect resistant) and NK603 (RR – herbicide tolerant), but negative for GA21 and MON89034. Quantification of these varieties in two samples of white corn grits revealed substantial levels of GM contamination by over 10 % MON810 and up to 40 % of NK603 (see Table 3). However, the kernel sample revealed only relatively small amounts of GM contamination (0.1 % MON810 and 0.3 % NK603), but detectable nonetheless.
All samples were bagged to prevent cross contamination. Samples were then sent to a commercial laboratory specialising in the analysis of GM crops by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Each sample was tested for the presence of GM corn varieties MON810, NK603, GA21 and MON89034. The presence of these particular GM events was tested because they are known to be sold and grown commercially in the Philippines. Further, the concentrations of MON810 and NK603 were quantified in two of the corn grit samples SKTCR1 and SKTCR4, and one of the kernel samples, SKBGB1.
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The positive results for GM varieties in the white corn samples indicate that these samples were contaminated with GM corn varieties. The white corn samples tested indicate that both the NK603 (RR, herbicide tolerant) and MON810 (Bt, insect resistant) gene from Monsanto are present in all four samples. This could represent more than one episode of contamination with different individual GM events, or contamination with a variety containing both GM events. It is not possible to distinguish between contamination with stacked trait corn and multiple contamination episodes with single trait corn. This study represents a “snapshot” of the GM status of white corn samples, as purchased from the market. It did not perform a representative sampling of white corn across the Philippines. There is no indication of how the GM contamination occurred, nor the extent of the GM contamination.
Table 2 Details of purchased samples of white corn and detection of GM varieties by PCR Sample No.
Sample Description
SKTCR1 White corn grits SKTCR2 White corn grits SKTCR3 White corn grits SKTCR4 White corn grits SKBGB1 White corn kernels
Place of Purchase
Delgado Store (Tacurong Market, Sultan Kudarat) Raut Store (Tacurong Market) Raut Store 2 (Tacurong Market) TB Agricultural Supply (Tacurong Market) Sitio Palamak, Barangay Chua, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat
Date of Purchase
GM corn present? MON NK GA MON 810 603 21 89034 19 December YES YES NO NO 2012 19 December 2012 19 December 2012 19 December 2012 20 December 2012
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
Table 3 Concentrations of GM Corn present in selected corn samples MON810 (Bt corn) Amount pLOQ† present
NK603 (RR corn) Amount pLOQ† present
Sample No.
Sample Description
SKTCR1
White corn grits
13% +/- 2%
0.1%
33% +/- 2%
0.1%
SKTCR4
White corn grits
17% +/- 4%
0.1%
41% +/- 3%
0.1%
SKBGB1
White corn kernels
0.1% +/0.05%
0.1%
0.3% +/0.05%
0.1%
† pLOQ: practical limit of quantification
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Other incidences of maize contamination worldwide
Maize is known to outcross (or cross-pollinate) readily to other maize plants. There are many studies confirming long distance pollination from GM maize up to 1,000 m away24. In EU studies, maize has been shown to be amongst the most difficult GM crops to contain due to the high cross-pollination rate and the large distances that viable maize pollen can travel25. GM maize is described as presenting a “medium to high risk” of contaminating nonGM maize crops26. Cross-pollination is only one method where GM contamination can occur. Human error, mix-ups during harvest and storage can all cause GM contamination. The GM Contamination Register enumerates 92 incidences of GM contamination of maize worldwide27, suggesting that contamination from GM maize can occur wherever it is grown. In Mexico, traditional varieties (or landraces) of maize have been found to be contaminated with GM varieties28. Although the contamination had been suspected for some time, it was only
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during the publication of new studies in 20082009 that the contamination of landraces was confirmed29. GM contamination in white and purple corn was also found in Mexico30, even though the only commercial GM varieties of maize available in the Americas at that time were yellow hybrids. The genes that determine colour in maize are not necessarily linked in any way to the transgenes31. In Mexico, it was thought that the GM grain was used as seed and diffused through local populations. While the GM grain seed might have disappeared as a distinct seed type, the transgenes remained within the gene pool32. While no suggestions for the route of contamination of maize grain with GM varieties in the Philippines can be made, the results from Mexico indicate it is perfectly possible for white corn to become contaminated with GM varieties, even if the only GM varieties are yellow hybrid corn.
Implications of GM contamination
It is clear that the introduction of GM maize into the Philippines has caused high levels of contamination (up to 40 %) in at least some white corn products. The extent of GM contamination is still unknown, as the testing in this report only represents a “snapshot” of the GM content of corn for sale on one island of the Philippines. It is also not known how this contamination occurred. It could be from a mix-up or cross pollination with GM corn. Based on the Mexico experience, GM yellow corn can contaminate corn of a different colour. It seems to be the same case in the Philippines. The contamination of white corn in the Philippines will have a long-term effect on the right of consumers to eat and plant corn that is
free from GMOs. Furthermore, the inherent risks associated with GM crops are not consistent with the government’s programmes to promote white corn as a healthier staple since there is no clear scientific consensus about the long-term safety of GM foods. It is evident that GM crops cannot be controlled. Despite this, the Philippine government may soon consider approving the commercialization of GM Golden Rice. Given the experience with GM contamination of white corn, it is very likely that this GM rice will contaminate conventional and traditional varieties of rice. There can be no recall once GMOs are released into the environment.
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Recommendations and Demands
1) We call on the Department of Agriculture and the local government units to undertake and coordinate further testing to evaluate the extent of GM contamination of white corn throughout the Philippines and take actions to contain the GM contamination. 2) We demand an immediate moratorium from the Department of Agriculture on the release of GM maize and other GM crops while the extent of GM corn contamination is being evaluated. 3) We call on local government units to exercise their rights by immediately declaring moratorium on the release and commercialisation of GM crops in their areas. 4) The GM contamination of white corn exposes Filipinos to the inherent risks of GM crops. We call on farmers and consumers to demand liability and redress from corporations for undermining their right to produce (organic corn and valuable traditional white corn) and consume healthy food. 5) The Department of Agriculture, through the NSIC, should order Pioneer Hi-Bred to recall its genetically modified white corn P3640WR and a redress to this lapse in implementing Republic Act 7308 (Seed Industry Development Act of 1992) to ensure that seed varieties are properly registered before selling. 6 We ask all Filipinos to protect rice biodiversity and the rice sector, by stopping the further release of the GM ‘Golden’ rice into the environment via field and feed testing and subsequent commercial release. We demand the Department of Agriculture to put an immediate stop to the field research and commercial release of GM ‘Golden’ rice.
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Annexures
Annex I Philippine Corn Production per year from 1960 to 201133 8000 7000
1000 Mt corn
6000 5000 4000 3000 2000
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2011
2008
2005
2002
1999
1996
1993
1990
1987
1984
1981
1978
1975
1972
1969
1966
1963
0
1960
1000
Annex II Corn Production in the Philippines (ha)34 Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
White Corn 1,865, 870 1,670,318 1,695,615 1,698,964.00 1,451,249.00 1,607,755.00 1,573,408.00 1,565,112.00 1,503,118.00 1,564,943.00 1,562,347.00 1,492,202.00 1,471,453.00 1,469,327.00 1,367,410.00 1,402,845.00 1,338,943.00 1,283,701.00 1,311,581.00
Yellow Corn 1,139,950 1,022,014 1,040,108.00 1,026,911.00 902,959.00 1,034,453.00 936,934.00 921,476.00 892,338.00 844,885.00 964,788.00 949,586.00 1,099,220.00 1,178,990.00 1,293,611.00 1,281,045.00 1,160,097.00 1,260,911.00 1,282,244.00
Annex III Corn Supply Utilization35 2011 SU Beginning Stocks SU Production SU Imports SU Gross Supply UT Exports UT Seeds UT Feeds and Waste UT Processing UT Ending Stocks UT Total Net Food Disposable UT Per Capita kg/yr UT Per Capita g/day
Metric tonnes 153 6971 66 7,190 c/ 51 4,531.00 930 166 1,512.00 15.78 43.23
SU - Supply UT - Utilisation c/ - Less than 1000 metric ton
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Annex IV Volume of Corn Production in the Philippines (metric tonnes)35
Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
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Volume of Production (metric tonnes) Corn (Total) White Corn Yellow Corn 4,519,246.00 4,128,510.00 4,151,332.00 4,332,417.00 3,823,184.00 4,584,593.00 4,511,104.00 4,525,012.00 4,319,262.00 4,615,625.00 5,413,386.00 5,253,160.00 6,082,109.00 6,736,940.00 6,928,225.00 7,034,033.00 6,376,796.00 6,971,221.00 7,406,830.00
2,089,905.00 1,862,423.00 1,883,087.00 1,879,209.00 1,620,465.00 1,823,834.00 1,889,338.00 1,917,654.00 1,796,929.00 2,052,684.00 2,227,430.00 2,251,617.00 2,360,840.00 2,527,633.00 2,254,567.00 2,316,434.00 2,169,103.00 2,150,222.00 2,165,505.00
2,429,341.00 2,266,087.00 2,268,245.00 2,453,208.00 2,202,719.00 2,760,759.00 2,621,766.00 2,607,358.00 2,522,333.00 2,562,941.00 3,185,956.00 3,001,543.00 3,721,269.00 4,209,307.00 4,673,658.00 4,717,599.00 4,207,693.00 4,820,999.00 5,241,325.00
Annex V White Corn Production by Region (metric tonnes)36 Region Philippines CAR Ilocos Region Cagayan Valley Central Luzon CALABARZON MIMAROPA Bicol Region Western Visayas Central Visayas Eastern Visayas Zamboanga Peninsula Northern Mindanao Davao Region SOCCSKSARGEN CARAGA ARMM
2011 2,150,222.00 20,147.00 52,753.00 56,787.00 21,321.00 32,717.00 14,438.00 47,208.00 67,512.00 176,025.00 71,228.00 149,950.00 349,754.00 153,555.00 253,808.00 35,100.00 647,909.00
2012 2,165,505.00 20,345.00 51,461.00 66,601.00 24,238.00 30,090.00 14,238.00 47,714.00 74,727.00 171,387.00 74,160.00 167,571.00 363,919.00 150,704.00 241,059.00 44,462.00 622,829.00
Units and Abbreviations Used t M ha GM Bt
metric tonne Million Hectare genetically modified (also called genetically engineered) Bacillus thuringiensis. Genes from this soil bacterium are used to create GM insect resistant plants. OPV Open pollinated varieties. Varieties where seeds can be saved for planting the following year. This is in contrast to hybrid varieties, where seeds must be brought each year. RR Roundup Ready. A type of GM plant containing genes granting resistance to the herbicide “Roundup”
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1 World
Food Program. 2012. Philippine Food and Nutrition Security Atlas. http://www.wfp.org/ content/philippine-food-and-nutrition-security-atlas-march-2012 2 Logroño,
M.L.; Lopez, EL. & Alejandro, F. 1996. Maize seed situation in the Philippines: a country report. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 21: 61-70. 3 Rice
Watch Action Network. 2007. Issues and Prospects of the Philippine Corn Industry. www. r1phils.org/PDF%20Files/Phil%20Corn%20Industry.pdf 4 Siopongco,
L.B., Altoveros, N.C., Cruz, V.M.V & Villavicencio, M.L.H. 1999. Morphological diversity in NPGRL’s local corn collection. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 24: 103-113. 5 Bureau
of Agricultural Statistics. http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/
6
Rice Watch and Action Network. 2007. Issues and Prospects of the Philippine Corn Industry. http:// www.r1phils.org/PDF%20Files/Phil%20Corn%20Industry.pdf 7 Bureau 8 Rice
of Agricultural Statistics. http://www.bas.gov.ph
Watch and Action Network. 2007. Issues and Prospects of the Philippine Corn Industry.
9 http://pcdspo.gov.ph/goodnews-article/da-pushes-for-low-glycemic-white-corn-propagation/ 10 http://business.inquirer.net/123585/one-person-dies-from-diabetes-every-10-seconds 11 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/01/25/agriculture-department-promotes-
white-corn-202581 12 http://www.bar.gov.ph/chronicle-home/archives-list/47-march-2012-issue/126-white-corn-as-
staple-food-is-the-next-big-thing 13 http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Grain%20and%20Feed%20Annual_
Manila_Philippines_3-27-2013.pdf 14 http://www.da.gov.ph/index.php/2012-03-27-12-03-56/2012-04-13-12-38-36 15 http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20
Annual_Manila_Philippines_7-24-2012.pdf 16 First
verified through telephone conversation with Pioneer General Santos City in Mindanao field sales office on July 2013. Through a phone conversation on July 2013, the staff of the National Seed Industry Council mentioned that the variety need not be registered as long as the inserted genetically modified trait has been approved. Verified through a trip to General Santos, June 2013.
17 Telephone conversation with Choi Mamaril of the National Seed Industry Council, September 17, 2013. 18 Ibid. 19
Section 2. Declaration of policy. Republic Act 7308 “An Act to Promote and Develop the Seed Industry in the Philippines and Create a National Seed Industry Council and for other purposes.” http://www.psdn.org.ph/chmbio/ra7308.html
20 http://biotech.da.gov.ph/upload/Aggregate_Data_of_GM_Corn_%28April_2012%29.pdf 21 Bureau 22
of Plant Industry 2012. Approval registry of regulated articles for propagation. Annex II
Bureau of Plant Industry 2012. Approval registry of combined trait products for propagation. Annex IIA
23 http://www.bic.searca.org/news/2007/nov/phi/09.html 24 See,
for example, Jarosz, N., Loubet, B., Durand, B., Foueillassar, X. and Huber, L. 2005. Variations in maize pollen emission and deposition in relation to microclimate. Environmental Science and Technology 39: 4377– 4384. Halsey, M.E., Remund, K.M., Davis, C.A., Qualls, M., Eppard, P.J. & Berberich, S.A. 2005. Isolation of maize from pollen-mediated gene flow by time and distance. Crop Science 45: 2172-2185. 22
25 EEA
2002: Eastham, K. & Sweet, J. 2002. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): the significance of gene flow through pollen transfer. Expert’s Corner Series, European Environment Agency, Copenhagen. http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/environmental_issue_report_2002_28 IPTS/JRC 2002: Anne-Katrin Bock, A-K, Lheureux, K., Libeau-Dulos, M., Nilsagård, H., RodriguezCerezo, E. 2002. Scenarios for co-existence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops in European agriculture. Joint Research Centre (DG JRC), Institute for Prospective Technological Studies http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/reports/coexistence/ IPTS/JRC/ESTO 2006: Messean, A., Angevin, F., Gómez-Barbero, M., Menrad, K. & RodríguezCerezo, E. 2006. New case studies on the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops in European agriculture. Joint Research Centre (DG JRC), Institute for Prospective Technological Studies and European Science and Technology Observatory Technical Report EUR 22102 EN. http://www.jrc.es Binimelis, R. 2008. Coexistence of plants and coexistence of farmers: is an individual choice possible? Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics doi 10.1007/s10806-008-9099-4
26 Treu,
R. & Emberlin, J. 2000. Pollen dispersal in the crops maize (Zea mays), oil seed rape (Brassica napus ssp oleifera), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). A report for the Soil Association from the National Pollen Research Unit. Available at http://www.soilassociation.org
27 http://www.gmcontaminationregister.org,
Accessed 17th September 2013.
28 Piñeyro-Nelson,
A., Van Heerwaarden, J., Perales, H.R., Serratos-Hernández, J.A., Rangel et al. 2009. Transgenes in Mexican maize: molecular evidence and methodological considerations for GMO detection in landrace populations. Molecular Ecology 18: 750–761. Dyer, G.A., Serratos-Hernández JA, Perales, H.R., Gepts, P., Piñeyro-Nelson, A. et al. 2009. Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico. PLoS ONE 4: e5734. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0005734
29
Dalton, R. 2008. Modified genes spread to local maize. Nature (News) 456: 149.
30 Dyer,
G.A., Serratos-Hernández JA, Perales, H.R., Gepts, P., Piñeyro-Nelson, A. et al. 2009. Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico. PLoS ONE 4: e5734. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0005734
31 G.A.
Dyer, pers. comm. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
32 Dyer,
G.A., Serratos-Hernández JA, Perales, H.R., Gepts, P., Piñeyro-Nelson, A. et al. 2009. Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico. PLoS ONE 4: e5734. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0005734
33 http://www.indexmundi.com/agriculture/?country=ph&commodity=corn&graph=production 34 Palay
and Corn: Area Harvested by Geolocation, Ecosystem/Croptype, Period and Year. Source: http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/ query made on 17 September 201
35 Rice
and Corn: Supply Utilization Accounts by Commodity, Year and Item. Source: http:// countrystat.bas.gov.ph/ query made on 17 September 2013
36 Palay
and Corn: Volume of Production by Ecosystem/Croptype, Geolocation, Period and Year. Source: http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/ query made on 17 September 2013
37 Palay
and Corn: Volume of Production by Ecosystem/Croptype, Geolocation, Period and Year. Source: http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/ query made on 17 September 2013
23
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.
Written by Daniel M. Ocampo and Janet Cotter, Ph.D. with inputs from Wilhelmina Pelegrina, Virginia Benosa-Llorin, Atty. Zelda Soriano and Beau Baconguis. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Marvin “Moss” Rico for conducting the field research and investigation to make this report possible. The authors also would like to thank the farmers, NGOs and different organisations that have helped the research and actual conduct of testing of white corn in the different areas of research for this report. In Cebu: Mr. Robert Bajenting of the Cebu Coalition for Food Security and Mr. Bernard Alcantara of the Pagtambayayong Foundation. In Bukidnon: Dante Cipriano, Bayao Zagado and Floyd Balo of Task Force Mapalad. In Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat : Dennis Merialis, Ph.D. VMC City College, Inc. and Mr. Bernardo Fermocil, Municipal Agriculturist of Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat. In Leyte:
greenpeace.org
Mr. Cleo Baconawa In Davao:
Paper: Freelife Cento 100 gsm. Process: Offset, using soya ink 24
Jhonriel G. Chamen of the Josefa Segovia Foundation.
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