Hawaii
Papaya Market Spirals Downward
25 May
2006
.
Several local farmers and native Hawaiian activists joined Greenpeace
experts today in decontaminating an organic farm in Hawaii that has
been tainted with genetically engineered (GE) papaya from nearby commercial
farms. The farm was sealed off with signs reading, 'GE Papaya Restricted
Area' as volunteers in hazmat suits removed trees, fruits and seeds
from the scene.
Several local farmers and native Hawaiian activists joined Greenpeace
experts today in decontaminating an organic farm in Hawaii that has
been tainted with genetically engineered (GE) papaya from nearby commercial
farms. The farm was sealed off with signs reading, 'GE Papaya Restricted
Area' as volunteers in hazmat suits removed trees, fruits and seeds
from the scene.
According to evidence released today by Greenpeace, GE papaya profits
have dwindled significantly as a growing number of global markets
reject the crop. Organic farmers in Hawaii are especially alarmed,
as the state is considered a contamination hot spot with the most
GE field trials per square mile in the world and the only place where
GE papaya is grown commercially.
"These US corporations tried to force feed GE papaya on the world
and the world isn't biting," said Local Hawaii Farmer, Melanie
Bondera. "Organic crops can get three times what GE papaya can
get on the market, but not if there's a possibility it's contaminated.
The GE industry came to us promising big money but instead they are
ruining our crops and robbing us of our profits."
Greenpeace has been at the forefront of decontamination efforts around
the world, assisting farmers concerned about genetic engineering tainting
and stopping illegal distribution of GE papaya in countries such as
Japan and Thailand that have put a ban on these crops. Currently a
court case is underway in Thailand where South East Asia campaigner
Patwajee Srisuwan and the former Executive Director Dr. Jiragon Gajaseni
are facing up to six years in prison for exposing a Thai government
agency's role in the illegal distribution of GE contaminated papaya.
"The Thai Government has attempted to lift the genetic engineering
ban under pressure from the US government and the agro-chemical industry.
However, Thais oppose GE crops because we don't want to lose the market
for our farm crops, like what happened to Hawaiian papayas, as well
as our status as the world's kitchen," said Patwajee Srisuwan.
Papaya has been grown in tropical regions for centuries and Hawaii
exports markets were flourishing until the introduction of genetically
engineered papaya in 1998. Most of the countries importing papaya
from Hawaii including the EU, Japan, and China have an aversion to
GE crops and foods. Doors started closing on Hawaii's exports and
prices went into free fall.
Organic and conventional farmers have also suffered losses, as it
is difficult to guarantee the GE-free status of their crops due to
contamination from neighbouring commercial GE farms. Greenpeace is
calling on governments and industry to protect its farmers and consumers
from the food safety and environmental risks posed by genetically
engineered foods.
Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation which uses
non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental
problems, and to drive solutions essential to a green and peaceful
future.Further contact information for reporters to get video, photos
or report details:
Hawaii - Carol Gregory Greenpeace USA communications officer
Phone: + 1 202 4138 531
Thailand - Arthur Jones Dionio Greenpeace SE Asia Regional media campaigner
Phone: + 66 1 710 9605
Amsterdam - Suzette
Jackson Greenpeace International communications officer Phone:
+ 31 6 4619 7324
Images from today's
activity contact Melissa Molyneux Greenpeace USA
Phone: + 202-319-2429
Greenpeace International
report 'The
Failure of GE Papaya in Hawaii'
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