Implications of Genetically Modified Seeds on Chinese Farmers’ Right to Food

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) agriculture’s restriction on farmers’ access to seeds has a direct impact on the full realization of farmers’ right to adequate food as set out in the United Nations human rights regime. This paper discusses the implications of GM seeds on Chinese farmers’ rights to food by reviewing the development of genetically modified crops in China. In order to minimize the negative implications of GM seeds on Chinese farmers, we believe the promotion of viable, ecologically sound livelihoods by placing the control of the resources for agricultural production in the hands of the producers, through the protection of farmers’ rights as owners, breeders and conservators of seed and plant genetic resources is crucial to secure their human right to adequate food.

Keywords: genetically modified seeds, agriculture, human rights to food, Chinese farmers