Research Dr Crodowaldo Pavan, a top Brazilian genetics scientist and honorary President of the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science, disagrees vehemently, dismissing opposition as based on superstition or ignorance. We can show that they are safer than conventional crops, requiring less pesticides and fertilisers. Half of the world's population does not reach full human development because they do not have enough food. That is a crime which we have the power to prevent. He is currently working on developing bacteria which will produce nitrates in the soil, avoiding the use of fertilisers which end up contaminating water supplies.
Brazil is also the first developing country to clone a sheep.
Dr Pavan believes the issue has aroused so much opposition because it has become confused with that of multinationals patenting genes to control the market. And of course there have to be checks against whatever kind of thing multinationals want to do. But just because something can be used in the wrong way - it is absurd to ban it altogether. The decision will ultimately now be made by the Brazilian courts - which some fear could take years. That could lead to the worst solution all round - a growth of smuggling GM seeds and products in Brazil with no proper regulation for their use.