nature, however, this process is slow and cannot be compared to the fast pace induced by contemporary
technological advances, evenwhen the latter build upon several centuries of scientific progress.
134. Although no conclusive proof exists that GM cereals may be harmful to human beings, and in
some regions their usehas brought about economic growthwhich has helped to resolve problems, there
remain a number of significant difficulties which should not be underestimated. In many places,
following the introduction of these crops, productive land is concentrated in the hands of a few owners
due to “the progressive disappearance of small producers, who, as a consequence of the loss of the
exploited lands, are obliged to withdraw from direct production”.
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The most vulnerable of these
become temporary labourers, and many rural workers end up moving to poverty-stricken urban areas.
The expansion of these crops has the effect of destroying the complex network of ecosystems,
diminishing the diversity of production and affecting regional economies, now and in the future. In
various countries, we see an expansion of oligopolies for the production of cereals and other products
needed for their cultivation. This dependency would be aggravated were the production of infertile
seeds tobe considered; the effect wouldbe to force farmers to purchase them from larger producers.
135. Certainly, these issues require constant attention and a concern for their ethical implications. A
broad, responsible scientific and social debate needs to take place, one capable of considering all the
available information and of calling things by their name. It sometimes happens that complete
information is not put on the table; a selection is made on the basis of particular interests, be they
politico-economic or ideological. Thismakes it difficult to reach abalanced and prudent judgement on
different questions, one which takes into account all the pertinent variables. Discussions are needed in
which all those directly or indirectly affected (farmers, consumers, civil authorities, scientists, seed
producers, people living near fumigated fields, and others) can make known their problems and
concerns, and have access to adequate and reliable information in order to make decisions for the
common good, present and future. This is a complex environmental issue; it calls for a comprehensive
approachwhichwould require, at the very least, greater efforts to finance various lines of independent,
interdisciplinary research capableof sheddingnew light on the problem.
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EPISCOPALCOMMISSIONFORPASTORALCONCERNS INARGENTINA,
Una tierra para todos
(June2005), 19.
