Biowatch seeks GMO secrets
2004-05-24 12:17
Pretoria - Environmental lobby group Biowatch sought in the Pretoria High Court on Monday to compel the government to divulge information about genetically modified organisms (GMO) in South Africa.
It is seeking details about permits issued for the importation and production of GMO products.
The court application follows failed attempts by Biowatch to obtain certain information from the state in a bid to determine the extent of GMO prevalence in the country.
Biowatch contends the information it is seeking is not confidential as claimed by the state.
Members of the public should be notified, in any event, of any trial releases, it said.
The respondents are the registrar of genetic resources, the executive council for genetically modified organisms, the minister of agriculture, bio-technology company Monsanto South Africa, the Seed Company, Stoneville Pedigreed and GMO Producer D and PL South Africa.
- SAPA