ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the overall context concerning the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. It introduces the notions of food sovereignty and food security. The chapter also provides some examples of existing constitutional provisions banning GMOs in different Latin American countries. It argues that the interpretation of the right to food provided by the UN Committee Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in its General Comment no. 12 should not be read as merely supporting food security, but as an official recognition of the need to move towards food sovereignty. Promoters of agricultural biotechnologies affirm that genetically engineered (GE) crops would increase yields, produce more food, control pests and weeds and raise worldwide food security. Biotech (BT) agriculture can deeply affect the preservation of sustainable traditional agriculture of local and indigenous communities. The realization of food sovereignty as a national priority is, therefore, highly connected to other policies, such as environmental protection or land property law.
