Question
Are GMOs used in the Dominican Republic?
dominican republic used gmo ?
Submitted by: arturo moncayo
Answer
Expert response from Marina Hernandez, M.S.
Head of Genetic Resources Department, Ministry of Environment, Dominican Republic
Tuesday, 08/09/2015 14:08
In Dominican Republic we are in the process of having a new specific GMO Law. Right now we do not have any request for crop GMOs. In the case of food and feed, the new Law and Law 358-05, article 74, can be used to protect the citizens in case of any situation that could affect human health and the environment. This article is based on both risk assessment and precaution principles, and includes all kind of substances such as GMOs, medicines or any other.
Answer
Expert response from Alejandro Hernández
Director de Biotecnología para C.A. & Caribe, CropLife Latin America
Tuesday, 08/09/2015 14:04
In general, all the Caribbean countries import grains for food and feed with most of the supply coming from biotech-growing countries such as the United States and Brazil. The islands have limited space to produce the grains they require, so imports are essential for providing food for people and livestock.
In terms of biotech adoption, the Dominican Republic contains a strong base of scientist and engineers that are doing research in GMOs, including the Instituto De Innovaction en Biotecnologia e Industria, a public biotech research institute. So far, no GM crop are being commercially grown yet, but the government of the Dominican Republic is aware of their potential, not just for agriculture but for other industrial activities, which is why there is significant research occurring and a regulatory framework that can be used to adopt science based decisions when it will be needed.
Answer
Expert response from GMOAnswers Admin_1
Tuesday, 08/09/2015 13:58
In general, all the Caribbean countries import grains for food and feed with most of the supply coming from biotech-growing countries such as the United States and Brazil. The islands have limited space to produce the grains they require, so imports are essential for providing food for people and livestock.
In terms of biotech adoption, the Dominican Republic contains a strong base of scientist and engineers that are doing research in GMOs, including the Instituto De Innovaction en Biotecnologia e Industria, a public biotech research institute. So far, no GM crop are being commercially grown yet, but the government of the Dominican Republic is aware of their potential, not just for agriculture but for other industrial activities, which is why there is significant research occurring and a regulatory framework that can be used to adopt science based decisions when it will be needed
