Title: The dissemination of genetically modified organisms in Brazil

Authors: Victor Pelaez, Wilson Schmidt

Addresses: Department of Economy, Federal University of Parana, R. Dr. Faivre, 405, 80060-140 Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Department of Animal Breeding and Rural Development, Federal, University of Santa Catarina, Caixa Postal 476 CEP 88034-001, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil

Abstract: Authorised for commercialisation in the USA since 1994, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) were quickly disseminated in this country as well as in Canada, Mexico and Argentina. However, Brazil has remained outside of this process of diffusion. The objective of this article is to analyse the factors that limit the diffusion process of GMOs in Brazil. The article emphasises the polarisation of interests revealed by Monsanto|s appropriation strategy of genetic material on the one hand, and by farmers| efforts to (re)appropriate the knowledge and the plant material used and improved by them on the other.

Keywords: Genetically Modified Organism (GMO); dissemination; Brazil; social reactions and relevances; economic and political procedures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2002.000189

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2002 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.211-227

Published online: 13 Jul 2003 *

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