By Deborah Goldberg | Project Leader
In September, the merger between multinational Pioneer Hi-Bred Inc. and South Africa’s largest seed company, Pannar, was blocked. The merger would have ceded control of the local seed market to large seed companies that force farmers to grow GMO seeds.
Concerns about the merger were brought to the Competition Tribunal by Biowatch South Africa in November of 2010.
Biowatch South Africa’s Director, Rose Williams said, “we are extremely pleased that the Competition Tribunal has upheld the decision of the Competition Commission to not allow the merger. We believe that foreign control of our national seed industry runs counter to the broader national interests of food security and the conservation of crop diversity”.
This project continues to be effective- with your support- in its mission to protect and support farmers in South Africa, promoting local control of land and seed rights through political action and advocacy, community education, and community organization.
Your donations make a big difference! YOU are an important part of the sustainable farming movement in South Africa.
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