What is golden rice – and why did a Philippine court halt its commercial production?

The Court of Appeal recently revoked the biosafety permits for genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant until all safety, health and legal issues have been resolved.

The Court of Appeals (CA) held that the Philippine government failed to put in place mechanisms to control the safety of the cultivation and consumption of golden rice. Photo: iStock

A court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant. The decision is circulating in international media as supporters of genetically modified crops have claimed it could have disastrous consequences for children suffering from vitamin A deficiency, ignoring the safety violations found by the court.

Golden rice, so named because of its rich yellow color, has been genetically engineered to contain higher levels of the micronutrients iron and zinc in the grains while also producing beta-carotene, precursor of vitamin A.

In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve the commercial production of this rice variety. However, non-profit organizations such as Greenpeace and local farmers have protested the decision.

Learn more: Why Bangladesh considers golden rice a threat

On April 17, 2024, the Court of Appeals of the Philippines (CA) issued a cease and desist order and ordered a halt to commercial propagation, field testing, and conduct of rice-related activities golden brown and Bt eggplant until all safety, health and legal measures are met. the issues have been resolved.

The court stopped production of the crops “until relevant government agencies submit proof of safety and compliance with all legal requirements.” It also determined that the government did not have mechanisms in place to monitor the safety of the cultivation and consumption of golden rice. The decision also prohibits further field trials, in greenhouses or open fields, until an approved monitoring program is in place.

Golden rice was developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Bt eggplant was developed by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB).

“The CA defended the constitutional rights of the Filipinos and the duty of the government to serve the interests of the people rather than those of agrochemical companies” Greenpeace said in a statement welcoming the decision.

A petition for the “Kalikasan Brief” was filed on October 17, 2022 by non-profit corporations, a coalition of local farmers, scientists and non-governmental organizations and “advocates for the sustainable use of the biodiversity, consumers and concerned citizens”. The Kalikasan Decree protects everyone’s constitutional right to a healthy environment.

Learn more: COP 21 and India’s climate change plan: what does it mean for our food systems and cultures?

The petitioners were a network of farmers and scientists Magsasaka in Siyentipiko Para Sa Pag-Unlad ng Agrikultura; Greenpeace Southeast Asia—Philippines; Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment; Climate Change Network for Community Initiatives, among others.

Besides UPLB and PhilRice, respondents to the petition included the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Health and the Plant Industry Bureau.

“We note the decision of the Court of Appeal regarding the Kalikasan writ proceedings against Golden Rice, and we consider the implications in preparing our response,” said John C de Leon, executive director of DA-PhilRice.

The decision means that DA-PhilRice must stop the commercial propagation and/or conduct of activities related to golden rice under the biosecurity permit issued.

In response to the court order, UPLB said the university respects the decision and is coordinating with the solicitor general’s office to take appropriate action.

Learn more: I know the damage that genetically modified crops can cause

“UPLB has consistently complied with all government standards and protocols under the National Biosafety Framework and associated guidelines in the development of Bt eggplant technology. This innovation is UPLB’s response to the urgent need to make eggplant production safer for farmers and the consuming public, increase farmers’ productivity and income, and improve the environment of eggplant-producing communities in the Philippines,” read the UPLB declaration on Bt eggplant.

The World Health Organization has classified vitamin A deficiency as a public health problem affecting about a third of children aged 6 to 59 months in 2013, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa (48 percent) and South Asia (44 percent).

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