Global Alarm Over GE Papaya Grows as Hawaii Market Spirals Downward

Several local farmers and native Hawaiian activists joined Greenpeace experts today in decontaminating an organic farm in Hawaii that has been tainted with genetically engineered (GE) papaya from nearby commercial farms. The farm was sealed off with signs reading, 'GE Papaya Restricted Area' as volunteers in hazmat suits removed trees, fruits and seeds from the scene.

According to evidence released today by Greenpeace, GE papaya profits have dwindled significantly as a growing number of global markets reject the crop. Organic farmers in Hawaii are especially alarmed, as the state is considered a contamination hot spot with the most GE field trials per square mile in the world and the only place where GE papaya is grown commercially.

"These US corporations tried to force feed GE papaya on the world and the world isn't biting," said Local Hawaii Farmer, Melanie Bondera. "Organic crops can get three times what GE papaya can get on the market, but not if there's a possibility it's contaminated. The GE industry came to us promising big money but instead they are ruining our crops and robbing us of our profits."

Greenpeace has been at the forefront of decontamination efforts around the world, assisting farmers concerned about genetic engineering tainting and stopping illegal distribution of GE papaya in countries such as Japan and Thailand that have put a ban on these crops. Currently a court case is underway in Thailand where South East Asia campaigner Patwajee Srisuwan and the former Executive Director Dr. Jiragon Gajaseni are facing up to six years in prison for exposing a Thai government agency's role in the illegal distribution of GE contaminated papaya.

"The Thai Government has attempted to lift the genetic engineering ban under pressure from the US government and the agro-chemical industry. However, Thais oppose GE crops because we don't want to lose the market for our farm crops, like what happened to Hawaiian papayas, as well as our status as the world's kitchen," said Patwajee Srisuwan.

Papaya has been grown in tropical regions for centuries and Hawaii exports markets were flourishing until the introduction of genetically engineered papaya in 1998. Most of the countries importing papaya from Hawaii including the EU, Japan, and China have an aversion to GE crops and foods. Doors started closing on Hawaii's exports and prices went into free fall.

Organic and conventional farmers have also suffered losses, as it is difficult to guarantee the GE-free status of their crops due to contamination from neighbouring commercial GE farms. Greenpeace is calling on governments and industry to protect its farmers and consumers from the food safety and environmental risks posed by genetically engineered foods.

Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to drive solutions essential to a green and peaceful future.