By Eloise Walton
Around 100 anti-GM protesters destroyed more than a hectare of
genetically modified corn at the Herdade da Lameira farm in Silves while the
owner tried desperately to stop them before the GNR arrived. The President
of Portugal and the Minister of Agriculture have condemned the acts of
vandalism.
Jo?o Menezes, the 56-year-old farmer, was surprised on August 17 by a
group of around 100 protesters who destroyed part of his 51 hectare farm of
genetically modified (GM) corn. By the time the GNR arrived on the scene to
escort the protesters off the premises, they had already destroyed one
hectare of the crop.

During the protest, the activists had their faces covered to protect
themselves against the pollen. After being identified and escorted off the
land by the authorities, the protesters continued their rally against
genetically modified products as they marched with banners into the village
of Poço Barreto.

This action was promoted and supported by two environmental groups,
the newly created Verde Eufémia and the Algarve based Almargem as well as
some of the local population and organic farmers who disagree with GM crops.

Mr Menezes said that his farm is completely legalised and has been
inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. ?This is what my family live on;
it is our only means of income,? said Mr Menezes, adding: ?If they destroy
this corn, I will die of hunger. Someone has to pay for the damages.?

Luis Grifo, the technical engineer responsible for the corn crop at
the Herdade da Lameira, said: ?It is only known that GM corn is planted here
because all of the regulations have been adhered to and all of the
neighbours have been informed. Portugal only produces corn for three months
of the year; during the rest of the year, corn is imported, of which 90 per
cent is genetically modified.?

Since the incident, the environmental group Almargem has asked the
Portuguese government to destroy the GM crop at the Herdade da Lameira. A
spokesman said: ?We are asking for the immediate application of the
emergency measures outlined in article 25° of the law decree n° 72/2003 of
April 10.?

This law regulates the deliberate release of genetically modified
organisms into the environment, as well as the placement of these products
on the market, conforming to the principle of precaution, taking into
account the protection of human health and the environment.

?The presence of GM crops in the Algarve could have a catastrophic
impact on the region?s main industry, tourism, with unpredictable social
consequences,? said the spokesman.

Castel?o Rodrigues, regional director of Agricultura do Algarve, said:
?The farm is legal and I cannot see why Almargem is invoking that particular
law?.

Mr Menezes has decided to press charges against the protesters
responsible for the damages caused, and who were identified by the GNR,
which could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years.

During visits to the Algarveon Monday, President Cavaco Silva and
Jaime Silva, Minister of Agriculture, condemned the acts of vandalism at the
Herdade da Lameira.

Cavaco Silva appealed to the authorities during a speech in Albufeira
for an investigation to be carried out on the vandalism of genetically
modified crops in Silves. ?There can be no doubt that the law in Portugal is
to be obeyed and those who have the power to make it be obeyed must not let
this happen,? said the President.

Jaime Silva visited farmer José Menezes to offer him legal support,
saying: ?Those responsible for the damages caused will pay, have no doubts.

?If it (GM crop) does not cause problems to public health, if it
generates more income and is an environmentally friendly corn, as it does
not need pesticides, why should we not plant it?,? said Jaime Silva.



[portugalresident.com]