For agricultural producers, the use of precision biotechnology in Guatemala requires a specialized committee so that the authorities' decisions are based on technical and scientific evidence, and not under the influence of political or ideological interests.
Guatemala already has regulations in this area, since on October 1, 2019, the regulatory framework signed by the Ministry of Economy with its counterparts in El Salvador and Honduras came into effect.
Since October 1, in Guatemala, the Technical Regulation of Biosafety of Living Modified Organisms has been in force, which will allow the importation, commercialization and sowing of modified seeds known as transgenic, for human and animal consumption.
Until now, Guatemala could only import food that was the product of crops with modified seeds. With the entry into force of the regulation, the entry of transgenic seeds for marketing and planting purposes will be authorized.
After two decades of research, a report by 20 top US scientists has concluded that GM crops are safe for health and the environment.
The largest piece of research on the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which has been made by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States demolishes myths promoted by environmental organizations by concluding that these crops are no different from others and that there is not a one test that has shown a negative impact on the health of people.
Although there is a law that authorizes cultivation of genetically modified seeds in the country, lack of regulations prevents them from being used, at a time when drought is overwhelming agricultural productivity.
Regular use of biotechnology in agriculture by countries in competition with El Salvador's has left Salvadoran producers, who are unable to do so, in a less competitive position.
The Food and Drug Administration has evaluated two varieties of apples and six potatoes which have been genetically modified and concluded that they are "as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts."
From a statement issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA):
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) has completed its evaluation of two apple varieties which have been genetically engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc., and six potatoes genetically designed by JR Simplot Company and concluded that these foods are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts.
Employers in the agricultural sector are proposing pilot projects in selected areas in order to assess the implications of using such crops.
Jose Adam Aguerri, president of Cosep, told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that "... the (GM) issue today in Nicaragua is prohibited."
"We believe that there will have to be an analysis of this situation, we must evaluate it and balance it, (...) we can go slowly, gradually, with pilot projects in confined zones in order to see how it works, without this meaning it will be adopted".
Soybeans, corn and cotton are the main GM crops in Brazil, a country that accepts and promotes genetically modified foods.
In Brazil the number of hectares planted with genetically modified soybeans, corn and cotton amounts to 36.6 million, varieties of crops which according to producers reduce costs, increase production and generate higher profits.
The abstention of countries such as Germany and Belgium in voting against the cultivation of genetically modified corn marks a before and after period for the use of genetically modified foods.
The EU is going to authorize the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) maize TC1507 belonging to the U.S. group Pioneer, said the European Commission.