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In an effort to help address the proliferation of illegal Bt seeds, Monsanto Philippines urged for the support of the Media and the government during the Media Briefing recently held at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City, saying that the sale and planting of illegal seeds pose a threat to farmers and the entire corn industry.

“Adulterated seeds or fake seeds directly affect our farmers. The seeds may be low-priced but they are also of low-quality. Worse, they come out without proper stewardship measures, and thereby threaten GM technology and farmers livelihood”, Dr. Gabriel Romero, Regulatory Policy and Scientific Affairs Lead of Monsanto Philippines stressed on.

“We want to put an end to this concern (the increased incidence of counterfeit seeds), as it sets in danger the very livelihood of our corn farmers, as well as the corn industry”, Dr. Romero added.

More than 10% of our Bt corn seeds are produced illegally by unauthorized companies. These seeds are produced with BT and RR traits but are sold in the market as “conventional seeds”.

Records show that a survey in 2015 revealed that farmers who used counterfeit seeds have observed a significant decrease in their yield and negative net income brought about by issues like smaller grains, unfilled ear and higher susceptibility to pests.

The agricultural firm appealed to the regulators to help address this issue as absence of refuge in counterfeit seeds may put the GM technology at risk. Observing the “refuge system” is an important requirement to keep pests such as corn borer from becoming resistant to Bt corn.

Meanwhile, Ms. Charina Garrido-Ocampo, Corporate Affairs Lead of Monsanto Philippines highlighted the company’s effort in promoting modern agriculture.

She said that Monsanto is 100% focused on Agriculture. “We are committed to delivering innovation to meet the needs of a growing population to protect and preserve this planet we all call home, and to help improve lives.”

For them Biotechnology + Breeding + Agronomics = Sustainable Agriculture. Combinations of technologies deliver solutions for farmers.

Monsanto supports multiple approaches to agriculture, crops can be grown using organic, conventional or modern plant science methods including biotechnology.

Monsanto’s sustainable agriculture is to overcome challenges to feed the world by pursuing smarter ways to nourish our world.

To attain this, Monsanto banks on four factors:

1. Sustainability by using resources more efficiently both on farms and here at Monsanto.

2. Collaborations by working with farmers, non-profits consumers and many others.

3. Food by helping make a balanced meal more accessible for everyone.

4. Safety by opening eye about what we do and providing straight forward information.

FORTUNE 500 COMPANY, headquarters, St. Louis, Monsanto, United State, Products: Agricultural and vegetable seeds, Plant Biotechnology traits and crop protection chemicals.