There is successful research in China, but no commercial application yet, he said, adding: “It is said that there are breakthroughs in the research of [genetically modified] rice and corn. But none is allowed on to the market.”
Ocampo said the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia, and possibly all Asia, to have a commercial GM food crop.
“The government would say it is because the Philippines should not be late in embracing a technology that promises to help increase the income of farmers and provide higher yields,” he said.
“But the fact is the Philippines is so close to the US that whatever policies the US have regarding GM crops we [Philippines] usually follow suit,” he said.
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