Global Organic Community Rallies Behind Negros’ Anti-GMO Stand

AGRI-NEWS | NATIONAL Posted on 2025-09-18 15:42:20

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental’s fight to keep genetically modified organisms (GMOs) out of the province has gained wide international backing, with 51 organizations from nearly 20 countries expressing solidarity during the 8th Organic Asia Congress in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

Edgardo Uychiat, co-convenor of the GMO-Free Negros Coalition and president of the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation, thanked the global organic movement for supporting the island’s commitment to remain GMO-free.

“The messages of support strengthen our resolve to safeguard our ecosystems, protect public health, and preserve Negros’ identity as the ‘Organic Capital of the Philippines,’” Uychiat said.

Uychiat, who also sits on the board of IFOAM Organics International, is attending the congress with fellow Negrense advocate Ramon Uy Jr., board member of IFOAM Organics Asia, and Bernadette San Juan, director of the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Agriculture Program.

At the center of the debate is the proposed “Negros Occidental GMO Regulatory Ordinance,” which passed second reading on August 26. If approved, it would roll back the province’s 18-year ban on GMOs established under Provincial Ordinance No. 07, Series of 2007.

The GMO-Free Negros Coalition, which includes farmers, civil society groups, consumers, and church organizations, filed a position paper opposing the measure on September 8, ahead of a public hearing by the Provincial Board committees on agriculture and environment.

International groups that voiced support include the Global Alliance for Organic Districts, Young Organic Global Network, and IFOAM Seeds Platform, alongside networks from Italy, Belgium, Spain, Germany, the United States, South Korea, India, Japan, Egypt, and other countries.

Uychiat said the movement in Negros is part of a global struggle for a “sustainable and just food system,” stressing that the island will continue to serve as proof that organic and GMO-free farming are viable paths for future generations.

IFOAM Organics Asia president Mathew John also highlighted Negros’ global reputation as a GMO-free island. He warned that opening the province to GMOs could undermine decades of organic agriculture gains ahead of the 2027 Organic World Congress, which will be hosted on the island.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental provincial government’s joint legal-scientific team defended the proposed ordinance, citing the need to align with the national policy framework on GMO regulation while maintaining the province’s food security and organic identity.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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