Members of the world network of rural workers "Via Campesina" invaded this Tuesday, March 14, an experimental field of Syngenta, a transnational company of genetically modified seeds (GMS)(transgenic), in Santa Tereza do Oeste, in the southern state of Paraná.
Via Campesina says that the company’s experimental field is incorrectly established in a protection area in the outskirts of the Iguaçu National Park, which works as a type of protective barrier for the park.
The Superintendent of the National Environment Protection Agency (IBAMA), Marino Gonçalves, confirmed that the experimental field is located six kilometers from the park, while the law determines a minimum distance of 10 km.
The Biosafety Law forbids planting genetically modified organisms or soy in these protective areas, as well as in indigenous lands and preservation areas.
IBAMA learned about the illegal planting through the non-governmental organization (NGO) "Terra de Direitos". The NGO denounced 18 properties located within the park’s protective area.
Thirteen of them are in prohibited areas and had their plantations embargoed. Consequently, owners will not be able to plant genetically modified organisms there.
In addition, IBAMA will impose a fine on farmers that can amount to US$ 705.250 (1.5 million reais). Property owners may be sued for biosafety crime.
Agência Brasil