28/01/05

Angolan ban of GM food sparks fears over aid flow

Angolans queuing for food aid Copyright: WFP/Marcelo Spina Hering

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Angola’s legal ban on importing and using genetically modified (GM) food, which came into effect in December 2004, has raised concerns that aid agencies may cut donations of food aid that one million Angolans rely on to survive.


The law prohibits the entry of GM seeds and grains to Angola unless intended for food relief. But GM grain imported as food aid must now be milled before distribution to prevent it being planted, and milling is a costly process.


Aid workers fear the extra cost will mean less food gets through to beneficiaries — a concern shared by the World Food Programme, which says some donors have already stated they will reduce donations because of the extra expense.


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