Brazil’s environmental authorities have fined farmers nearly R$900,000 for planting genetically modified corn in the buffer zone around Emas National Park, in Chapadão do Céu, in the southwest of Goiás state. The fines were issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
The cultivation of genetically modified organisms in this area is prohibited under Law No. 11,460/2007 and Federal Decree No. 5,950/2006. The law bans the research and cultivation of genetically modified organisms in Indigenous lands and conservation units, except for environmental protection areas. The decree establishes restricted zones for planting certain genetically modified organisms near conservation units.
According to the institutes, the inspections were intended to prevent the unintentional spread of genetic material into protected areas and reduce potential impacts on biodiversity. Authorities cited possible effects on non-target organisms, including insect species exposed to genetically modified plants and their interaction with the surrounding environment.
Ibama also said that the irregular presence of genetically modified organisms may lead to gene transfer to wild species, the development of pesticide resistance, the emergence of superpests and harm to species that are not targeted by the genetic modifications but live near the crops.
The 38 inspections took place between October 13 and 23 and focused on genetically modified crops in the park’s buffer zone, a protected strip established around the conservation unit. The properties involved covered 11.39% of the park’s entire buffer zone, and the crops occupied more than 640 hectares.
Authorities issued three infraction notices totaling approximately R$890,000. All properties carrying out agricultural activities within the buffer zone were inspected, and no irregular cultivation was found inside the national park itself.
The names of the fined farmers were not disclosed, so they could not be contacted for comment on the penalties.
Sources: G1.