Lupi Martins
Reporter Agência Brasil

Porto Alegre – The prodution of genetically modified (GM) corn ("milho transgênico") is strictly prohibited in Brazil. Farms will be inspected and anyone growing it will be severely punished, says Francisco Signor, a Ministry of Agriculture delegate in Rio Grande do Sul.

Last week Signor and other officials from the ministry met with local farmers to make them aware of the problems that will occur if GM corn is grown. Tthere will be economic losses, along with a loss of credibility in the marketplace, the authorities told the farmers.

According to Signor, the only state in Brazil where there are reports of GM corn is Rio Grande do Sul. It seems seeds are being smuggled in from Argentina.

Translation: Allen Bennett