GMOs Threaten Bulgaria Organic Farmers, Decrease Yields

Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser has stated that introducing genetically modified crops to Bulgaria would destroy the organic farming industry in the country.

Schmeiser became an international symbol and spokesperson for independent farmers' rights and the regulation of genetically modified crops during his 10 year legal victory over agrichemical company Monsanto.

On a trip to Bulgaria, Schmeiser said that since the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Canada, the yield of soybean and rapeseed, the most common genetically modified crops, has dropped by 15%, the nutritional quality of produce has decreased by 50%, and the amount of chemicals that are used by farmers has increased by 3-5 times.

Bulgaria has no officially registered farmers who produce GMOs. However, there are growing signs of clandestine and illegal imports of GMO seeds. The law in Bulgaria related to GMO production is consistent with the requirements of the European Union which is generally against the growing of the crops.

Schmeiser concluded that he was in Bulgaria to inform people about all of the effects of genetically modified plants, most of which have been proved to be dangerous to human health and the environment.