Negros Occidental split over proposed GMO corn ordinance

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — A proposed ordinance allowing the regulated entry and production of genetically modified (Bt) corn in Negros Occidental has sharply divided stakeholders across the province, igniting a debate between agricultural modernization advocates and long-time supporters of organic farming.

Several major livestock and poultry groups have expressed strong support for the draft Negros Occidental GMO Regulatory Ordinance, which aims to permit the planting of Bt corn solely for animal feed.

In a joint manifesto, the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association (NOHRA), Negros Occidental Layers Association (NOLA), Association of Broiler Integrators of Negros Occidental (ABINO), Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (AHRANO), United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros (UCRAIN), and the Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators (NOSI) said the ordinance addresses long-standing feed supply issues.

They cited the high cost and limited availability of yellow corn—an essential ingredient that accounts for about 70 percent of animal feed production—as a key constraint for their industries.

Currently, raisers are forced to import yellow corn from outside the province due to the local ban on GMO crops, raising production costs and limiting competitiveness.

“The proposed ordinance offers a balanced and practical solution to animal production and business viability challenges, while maintaining the province’s ‘organic food bowl’ identity by regulating GMO corn production solely for animal feed purposes,” the groups said.

They emphasized the ordinance’s potential to lower feed costs, provide local livelihood opportunities, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen food security through a more resilient livestock sector.

“We believe this ordinance will uplift the agricultural economy and contribute to the overall welfare and food sufficiency of the province,” the manifesto stated.

However, opposition to the proposal remains strong among organic agriculture advocates, who say the measure threatens the province’s reputation as a leader in sustainable and organic farming.

More than 50 international organic organizations have expressed support for the GMO-Free Negros Coalition, which is actively opposing the ordinance.

Edgardo Uychiat, a World Board member of IFOAM Organics International, said the group expressed its solidarity during the recent 8th Organic Asia Congress in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Uychiat said the event, themed “Organics for a Better Future,” gathered policymakers, experts, and farmers across Asia who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting GMO-free agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental has pledged to conduct a balanced and inclusive review of the ordinance amid the growing clamor from both camps.

Board Member Andrew Montelibano, chair of the SP Committee on Food and Agriculture, said during a recent public hearing that anti-GMO groups were given a week to submit their final position papers.

Montelibano acknowledged the passionate resistance from organic farming advocates but noted that the province must also recognize the diverse preferences and needs of its agricultural communities.

“I have no problem supporting organic farming, but at the same time, not everyone in Negros Occidental wants to go organic,” Montelibano said.

He noted that while a significant number of farmers adhere to organic practices, many others prefer conventional or biotech methods.

“We should harmonize this,” he said. “Whether you like it or not, GMO is everywhere.”