Yonhap News TV
- The Rural Development Administration's decision to approve a U.S.
- The Rural Development Administration reportedly approved the import of U.S.LMO (Living Modified Organism) potatoes last month, after a seven-year review.
- company Simple Lotte, are engineered to reduce black spot bruising and increase disease resistance.Simple Lotte applied for import permits in Korea in 2018 for the 'SPS-Y9' variety....
Controversy Surrounds Potential Import of Genetically Modified Potatoes to Korea
Table of Contents
- Controversy Surrounds Potential Import of Genetically Modified Potatoes to Korea
- controversy Around Genetically Modified Potato Imports to Korea: Your Questions Answered
- Key Questions About GM Potato Imports
- What are LMO Potatoes?
- What is the Purpose of Modifying thes Potatoes?
- Why is the Import of These Potatoes Controversial?
- Who Approved the Import?
- What is the Current Status of the Import?
- What are the Potential Impacts on Local Farmers?
- What are the Concerns About the Timing of the Approval?
- What are the Views of Those Against the Import?
- Summary of Key Points
- Key Questions About GM Potato Imports
The Rural Development Administration’s decision to approve a U.S. company’s request to import LMO potatoes has sparked debate over safety and potential impact on local farmers.
The Rural Development Administration reportedly approved the import of U.S.LMO (Living Modified Organism) potatoes last month, after a seven-year review. This decision has been met with concerns regarding the unverified safety of genetically modified foods and strong opposition from potato farmers.
These genetically modified potatoes, developed by U.S. company Simple Lotte, are engineered to reduce black spot
bruising and increase disease resistance.Simple Lotte applied for import permits in Korea in 2018 for the ‘SPS-Y9’ variety. The Rural Development Administration approved the import on Feb.21.
The timing of the decision, just days before a visit to the United States by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Andeok-geun, has raised suspicions. While the goverment denies any connection, some analysts believe the approval was a preemptive move in anticipation of trade pressure from the U.S. government.
If the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approves the potatoes’ safety, LMO potato imports are expected to proceed. Though, opposition is growing.
The color does not change, and the actual potatoes are hurt, or these things occur, so it’s fine to see with the naked eye, but in reality, there is a risk of eating potatoes that have a problem.Moon Jae-hyung,Standing Executive Chairman of the National Action Against GMOs
Farmers’ groups are worried about the potential for decreased potato self-sufficiency and disruption of ecosystems.
Potato self-sufficiency drops, potato prices [will be affected], and potatoes [will be] sold without GMO labeling, so the damage to farmers seems [likely] to be injured.Shin Ji-yeon,Secretary general of the Korean Women Peasants Association
As the government faces potential pressure to open non-tariff barriers to other U.S. LMO agricultural products, in addition to potatoes, further backlash is anticipated.
controversy Around Genetically Modified Potato Imports to Korea: Your Questions Answered
The potential import of genetically modified (GM) potatoes to Korea has ignited a debate about safety, trade, and the future of farming.
Key Questions About GM Potato Imports
What are LMO Potatoes?
LMO stands for “Living Modified Organism.” In this context, it refers to potatoes that have been genetically engineered. the specific potatoes in question were developed by the U.S. company Simple Lotte.
What is the Purpose of Modifying thes Potatoes?
These GM potatoes are engineered to have two main benefits:
- Reduced “black spot” bruising.
- Increased disease resistance.
Why is the Import of These Potatoes Controversial?
The import of LMO potatoes has sparked a notable debate, primarily due to:
- Safety Concerns: Doubts remain about the unverified safety of genetically modified foods.
- Farmer Opposition: Local potato farmers are strongly against the imports, fearing impacts on their livelihoods.
- trade Pressure: Some analysts suggest the approval may be linked to trade pressure from the U.S. government.
Who Approved the Import?
The Rural Development Administration approved the import of the U.S.-developed LMO potatoes following a seven-year review of the ‘SPS-Y9’ variety.
What is the Current Status of the Import?
The Rural Development Administration approved the import on Feb. 21 . However,before LMO potato imports can proceed,the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety still needs to approve the potatoes’ safety.
What are the Potential Impacts on Local Farmers?
Farmers’ groups are concerned about several potential negative impacts:
- Decreased potato self-sufficiency: An increase in imports could reduce the domestic potato market share.
- Price fluctuations: Increased supply could lead to lower potato prices, affecting farmers’ income.
- lack of GMO labeling: Potatoes may be sold without GMO labeling, potentially disadvantaging farmers.
What are the Concerns About the Timing of the Approval?
The timing of the Rural Development Administration’s decision, just before a visit to the United States by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, raised suspicions among some analysts. They believe it was a preemptive move in anticipation of potential trade pressure from the U.S.government.
What are the Views of Those Against the Import?
Critics of the import have raised concerns about potential health risks and the impact on local potato varieties.
The color does not change, and the actual potatoes are hurt, or these things occur, so it’s fine to see with the naked eye, but in reality, there is a risk of eating potatoes that have a problem.Moon Jae-hyung,Standing Executive Chairman of the National Action Against GMOs
Farmers also worry about the potential impact on their livelihoods and the ecosystem.
Potato self-sufficiency drops,potato prices [will be affected],and potatoes [will be] sold without GMO labeling,so the damage to farmers seems [likely] to be injured.Shin Ji-yeon,Secretary general of the Korean Women Peasants Association
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Potato Type | Genetically Modified (LMO) |
| Developer | Simple Lotte (U.S. Company) |
| Modification Goals | Reduce bruising, increase disease resistance |
| Approval Body | Rural Development Administration |
| Concerns | Safety, Farmer opposition, Trade pressure |
As the government considers opening non-tariff barriers to other U.S. LMO agricultural products, further debate and scrutiny are expected.