Workshop on Genetically Modified Cotton in Burkina Faso

An information workshop for cotton producers on the process of returning to growing genetically modified (GM) cotton in Burkina Faso was held in Bobo-Dioulasso on September 24, 2024.

Objective of the Workshop

The general objective of this Bobo-Dioulasso workshop is to provide information on the process of returning to the cultivation of genetically modified cotton meeting the production needs for commercial cultivation in Burkina Faso.

Discussion Topics

• Recalling the reasons for stopping the cultivation of GM cotton from the 2016/2017 campaign
• Presentation and discussion of the needs of the Interprofessional Cotton Association of Burkina (AICB) for GM cotton
• Presentation and discussion of the situation of the actions carried out by the AICB with biotechnology companies, including Bayer and other partners
• Presentation and discussion of the situation of GM cotton tests carried out by Burkina Faso Cotton Research
• Presentation and discussion of the prospects for a consensual return of GM cotton to Burkina Faso

Importance of Collaboration

According to Jean-Pierre Guinko, Permanent Secretary of the liberalized cotton sector in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Crafts, “the actors really needed to talk to each other in order to return safely to GM cotton.” He emphasized that difficulties were identified during the development of GM cotton until 2016, and that the actors had made a brave decision to temporarily suspend its cultivation in order to take stock of the situation and find necessary solutions.

Benefits of Returning to GM Cotton

Nikiébo N’Kambi, president of the National Union of Burkina Cotton Producers (UNPC-B) and president of the Interprofessional Cotton Association of Burkina (AICB), highlighted the advantages of GM cotton cultivation. “With GM cotton cultivation, the treatment that was 6, 8, 10 comes down to 2. There are producers who did not even do any treatment, but they harvest cotton, something that is impossible today. When the treatment subsides, we have time to do other things. From a health perspective, this helps keep producers healthy, because they will be less exposed to chemicals.”