ABSTRACT

The seed industry in Chile has thrived since the implementation of a stringent, voluntarily self-imposed coexistence strategy between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMO seed activities. GMO varieties of maize, soybean, and canola represent the vast majority of biotech seeds produced in Chile. Chile’s exports of genetically modified (GM) seeds and organically grown food products (which excludes GM seeds and materials) continue to expand. Organic Chilean farmers predominantly produce and export fruits such as blueberries, wine grapes, and apples. Under normal agricultural conditions, the inadvertent presence of GMOs in non-GMO or organic crops cannot be ruled out. Producers of organic foods are required to implement stringent measures to minimize contact with any non-organic crop, regardless of whether these crops are GM. Only very small amounts of organic maize, soybean, and canola – if any – have been produced in Chile in recent years. Given the characteristics and nature of Chile’s agriculture, the direct impact of the GM seed industry on organic farming in Chile is likely to be negligible. The Chilean experience with coexistence between GM seed and organic industries may inform other countries interested in providing its farmers with alternative agricultural production systems.

摘要

自从在转基因生物 (GMO) 和非转基因种子活动之间实施严格的、自愿的、自我强加的共存战略以来，智利的种子产业蓬勃发展。玉米、大豆和油菜的转基因品种代表了智利生产的绝大多数转基因种子。智利的转基因（GM）种子和有机种植食品（不包括转基因种子和材料）的出口继续扩大。智利有机农民主要生产和出口蓝莓、酿酒葡萄和苹果等水果。在正常农业条件下，不能排除在非转基因或有机作物中无意中存在转基因的可能性。有机食品的生产者必须采取严格的措施，尽量减少与任何非有机作物的接触，无论这些作物是否是转基因作物。近年来，智利仅生产了非常少量的有机玉米、大豆和油菜（如果有的话）。鉴于智利农业的特点和性质，转基因种子产业对智利有机农业的直接影响可能可以忽略不计。智利在转基因种子和有机产业共存方面的经验可能会告知其他有兴趣为其农民提供替代农业生产系统的国家。