In addition, small-scale farmers say that if the government legalizes genetically modified seeds, they would go bankrupt. But larger growers recall a Brazil that lost ground in the 1970s and 1980s in key areas such as computers, largely because of protectionist policies, and they want to avoid making similar mistakes with bioengineered crops. That's what we did when we decided to make our own computers, and it put us behind by 10 years. It is difficult to overstate the stakes in Brazil, Latin America's largest agricultural producer. As in other countries, the debate over genetically modified crops is a highly emotional one in Brazil.
Proponents call opponents communists.
Rio Grande do Sul ranks third in national production of soybeans, but in recent years it has taken the lead in opposing the use of genetically modified soybeans. A telephone hot line takes reports about farmers who are allegedly breaking the law. Don't Plant the Idea. State Agriculture Secretary Jose Hermeto Hoffman said the government fears the impact of the seeds on human beings and the environment, and it wants to keep small farmers in business. Because he is defying authorities, Antonio asked that his last name not be published.