Should the government ban the production commercialization and consumption of bt talong in tje Philippines?
Answer (1)
The debate over banning Bt talong in the Philippines involves balancing environmental and health concerns with agricultural and economic benefits.In 2015, the Philippine Supreme Court halted Bt talong field trials, citing insufficient biosafety assessments and the application of the precautionary principle due to potential irreversible environmental harm and uncertain health impacts. However, subsequent rigorous evaluations led to the approval of Bt talong for direct use as food, feed, or processing in 2021, deeming it as safe as conventional eggplant. Proponents argue that Bt talong can reduce pesticide use, increase yields, and improve farmer incomes. while critics remain concerned about long-term ecological effects and the integrity of organic farming practices. Given these considerations, a total ban may not be necessary; instead, stringent regulation and continuous monitoring could address safety concerns while harnessing the crop's potential benefits.
