Peru: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
Peru's 10 year moratorium on genetically engineered (GE) crops remains in force. The Ministry of Environment tests conventional imported seed shipments upon arrival which has raised concerns from seed traders. According to industry contacts, the qualitative analysis is based on reactive strips which reportedly have a high risk of false positives. The Peruvian regulation has a zero tolerance for GE events in seeds. As a result, the detection of a GE event in seeds, including adventitious presence, results in steep fines. Peru imports GE crops such as soybeans, corn and cotton; the United States is a major supplier of these commodities as are other South American suppliers.
