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The
Salvadoran Citizen’s Network on Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) holds Fourth Seed Fair
May
11, 2005
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La
Red Ciudadana Frente a los Transgénicos en El Salvador
(The Salvadoran Citizen’s Network on Gentetically Modified
Organisms, or GMOs) held its fourth Seed Fair on Saturday,
May 8th, in the Civic Plaza in downtown San Salvador. Producers
from seven provinces came to showcase their organic goods,
and environmental and consumer groups filled tables with literature
on GMO’s and other environmental issues.
Eighteen civil society organizations
participate in the network, which is comprised of field experts,
small farmers, consumers, environmentalists, indigenous people,
universities, and groups that work with early childhood education,
health, and community development.
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Organic
plants on display at the 2nd Annual Seed Fair. |
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Environmentalists
concerned about genetically modified organisms list among
possible dangers of their use decreased biodiversity, unexpected
production of new toxins and allergens in foods, the spread
of disease, increased use of chemicals on crops resulting
in further contamination of our water supply, the creation
of herbicide-resistant weeds and an overall disturbance of
ecological balance.
Sabino Alas, works in Chaletenango for CORDES
(El Salvador Foundation for Cooperation and Community Development)
promoting the preservation of native seeds and awareness of
the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s).
Alas says it’s unclear if GMO’s
have already arrived in the northern province. “Up until
this point, we haven’t seen them; it’s only at
the level of rumors,” he says. “There’s
no identification. There’s no tag that says a seed is
genetically modified.”
That does not mean Alas and others are not
preparing for their arrival. Through community assemblies,
written materials and the radio, CORDES informs farmers of
the impact genetically modified seeds can have on people,
animals, and the environment.
In addition to activists seeking to promote
organic agriculture and the preservation of native seeds,
producers from San Vicente, Chaletenango, Sonsonate, Usulatan,
San Salvador and San Miguel came to the Seed Fair to sell
their products.
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At a table with
two other women from the community of “El Limón”
in Soyapango, Inez de Monterosa sits before a display of organic
products that includes shampoo, lotions, oils, medicines,
and various types of seeds. All the products are made from
plants native to El Salvador and grown in the community.
Three years ago, an environmentalist came
to their community and taught them the uses of the plants
and seeds.
Now, many in the community are involved—men,
women, and children take part in the planting and cultivation
of the organic goods. The finished products are sold in the
community and to clients outside of El Limón. They
are currently looking for an organic store where they can
sell them in the capitol. |
| Inez de Monterosa, center,
and other organic farmers from "El Limón" show
off their natural medicines and spices at the Seed Fair. |
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Monterosa
says they have received continued training from El Balsamos
Association, located in San Salvador. “We get trained
in Balsamos; then we train others in the community who are
unable to make the trip to San Salvador.”
The
women are proud of their work. “We don’t use chemicals,”
Monterosa says.
Another
woman holds up a bag of seeds. “This is the anona (a
tropical fruit) seed. It can be used as an insecticide.”
She
grabs another bag labeled parsley. “This is a healthy
ingredient for food and it adds flavor.”
“Papaya
leaves can be used against fungus,” she says. |
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