Environmental and consumer groups are reacting cautiously to a bill that sets the regulatory framework under which Brazil would open its doors permanently to transgenic farming by allowing the sale here of gene-altered seeds. The bill, sent to Congress on Oct. 31, is the follow-on to a Sept. 25 government decree (MP 131) that permits the use of transgenic seeds for the 2003-4 soy crop, which was planted in October. (See "Transgenics decree generates questions, debate"—EcoAméricas, Oct. '03.) Green organizations attacked that decree on grounds it had not been preceded by sufficient study of the effects transgenics might have on human health and biodiversity-rich Brazil's environment. Their response to the new legislation has been somewhat muted, however. While they find some... [Log in to read more]