Declaration of Opposition to Genetically Modified Rice

We are opposed to the research, harvest, sales, and import/export of genetically modified rice.

The Hazards of Genetically Modified Crops

§Hazard as a Food Source
If genetically modified crops are "essentially equal" to traditional crops, they have yet to undergo experimentation and certification for safety. There is a possibility that material other than proteins can be introduced into the crop through the added genetic material and cause an "accident," which creates a potential for allergic reactions.

§Impact on the Environment
If genetically modified crops are cultivated on a large scale, there could be a serious impact on surrounding organisms and fungi.Furthermore, modified genetic material, once introduced into the natural environment, can genetically propagate to un-modified, closely related species, creating impurities in the genetic material.

Genetically Modified Rice

§The Destruction of Japanese Agriculture
Against the wishes of the Japanese who do not wish genetically modified foods, the introduction of genetically modified rice into Japan invites insecurity for and a lack of faith in Japanese agricultural products.
Furthermore, genetically modified rice is produced overseas in countries such as the United States and will surely be imported and sold at low cost in Japan. This will lead to increased difficulty in domestic rice production, the major crop in Japan, and the loss of paddies, land, and agriculture.

§The Japanese are a Human Experiment for Genetic Engineering
Japan is a major importer of food products.Already, genetically modified corn, soy,green vegetables and cotton are being imported and used as feed for livestock. Currently, Japanese consume more genetically modified foods than any other nation. If genetically modified rice is added on to this list, Japan will become an experimental laboratory for genetic engineering. Japan has already been called a laboratory for environmental pollution; this will be a repeat of those earlier times.

§Increasing the Export of World Famine
Genetically modified rice typically has added vitamins or nutrients, increases yield production, or reduces agricultural chemical use and labor. It is being promoted as a poster crop for the "Second Green Revolution." It is under this guise that it is being sold to the rice dependent countries of Asia. Just as the Green Revolution did, the new revolution will claim to fight famine and malnutrition, but will drive small farmers into poverty by forcing them to buy seeds and agricultural chemicals every year, and the resulting agricultural products will be sold to affluent nations such as Japan and other advanced nations, resulting in an increase in famine in the producing nation.
Although the global per capita availability of food has not changed, famine is increasing. Clearly, the problem is not in agriculture or food production but in food distribution.

Opposing Genetically Modified Rice, Improving Self-Sufficiency

§Giving Consideration to Domestic Agriculture, Improving Self-Sufficiency
Japan is a major importer and has one of the lowest food self-sufficiency rates among developed nations. Japan and the Japanese must call a halt to this situation. Not only because of the problems with food security within Japan, but also because this increases famine throughout the world.
Japan, with its warm weather and frequent rains, has fertile lands that can produce high yields. It is not difficult to increase the self-sufficiency rate.
In Japan, rice is grown in rice paddies. Since water is used in the paddies, there is a history of the preservation of land and clean water sources. The collapse of paddies will lead to the collapse of national lands.
There is no doubt that the world is heading toward a food shortage over the long term. The question is how to protect and foster Japanese agriculture while considering future lifestyles and the environment.
At the same time, we must ask ourselves what we will eat.

§Speaking up against Genetic Engineering
Genetically modified rice will profit neither the producer nor the consumer. Although the benefits such as reduction of labor and increased flavor and nutrition are often cited, ultimately, this will lead to multinational corporations and other large corporations seizing control of seeds, agriculture, and our food supply.
We will oppose the development, cultivation, and import/export of genetically modified rice because it ignores food safety, weakens both domestic and global agriculture, and negatively impacts the environment.

[ April 23, 2001 | about_us ]