Brasília, 2/27/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Environment, Marina Silva, reports that a work group consisting of representatives of nine ministries has been formed to examine the question of genetically modified food and establish an official government position. The group is chaired by the presidential Chief of Staff (José Dirceu).

According to Silva, the government does not have a fixed opinion on the issue. What has to characterize the study is a great deal of care and the need for an adequate and coherent decision, said the minister. (AB)