“Cameroon is importing the yellow (Pannar 12) and white (Pannar 15) hybrid corn seeds. The vast majority of GE crops are insect resistant or herbicide tolerant. These traits are known to have adverse effects on local ecosystems and could well compromise the farming system based on traditional seeds. Dependency on the GM seeds will firmly push local farmers into continuous dependence on massive agrochemical use that have adverse effect on the environment.
“We believe it is disingenuous for PIDMA to emphasise farmer’s profitability at the expense of strengthening food security and long term sustainability of the agricultural sector. Cameroonian agriculture officials and their World Bank partners should revive and encourage traditional and ecological farming practices that enabled Cameroon to export corn until forty-four years ago.”
Media contacts:
[email protected]; Forest Communications Officer, Greenpeace Africa; 677-345-612
[email protected]; Forest Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa; 652-233-542