The development of GM crops is to build-in resistance to insects and diseases, which in turn is expected to reduce the negative impact of agrochemicals on health and the environment. Research on genetic modification taking place in the Andean countries is predominantly focusing on plant health. Significant financial and human resources are being invested in research that will eventually bring benefits only to large-scale industrialised agriculture. The majority of Andean farmers will not benefit from the introduction of these GM varieties.
Biological Control represents a concrete alternative to the use of GM crops, because it saves and strengthens the ecological balance that existed before the use of agrochemicals. This control method diminishes the dependency of local farmers on external inputs like pesticides, thus allowing for healthier living and working conditions.
