Hon Minister, I have something very specific on my mind and I'm hoping to get your undivided attention for the next very few minutes. [Interjections.] Hon Minister, I'm really hoping to get your undivided attention for the next very few minutes. [Interjections.] She is clearly not going to listen.
In August 2012 the ACDP submitted to Parliament a petition to overturn a government decision to allow the import of GM maize, known as Agent Orange, into South Africa. The maize is dubbed "Agent Orange" because it has been genetically modified to survive the weedkiller called 2,4-D, one of the key ingredients of the infamous defoliant chemical used in the Vietnam war. [Interjections.] Hon Minister, I have something very specific on my mind that I need your undivided attention for. [Interjections.]
The introduction of 2,4-D-resistant crops is expected to trigger a thirty- fold increase in the use of this chemical, which has been linked to cancer of the white blood cells and has produced a variety of disturbing results in studies on animals. The use of 2,4-D is banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
The ACDP is of the opinion that government has been hasty in granting the approval of 2,4-D GM maize. The United States of America government last week announced that it will not grant approval for the cultivation of this crop until at least 2015, pending further research into safety. It is disturbing that our government granted approval for the consumption of this maize before it was approved in the country of origin.
The ACDP is appealing to the Minister to urgently initiate a complete review of our risk assessment and permitting process. The ACDP further calls on the Minister to review Monsanto's original research submitted for approval of maize that is already in production and being consumed in South Africa. We note that Kenya has banned GM imports as a result of this research. This matter needs to be interrogated and the public needs to be well-informed and involved.
Maize is a staple food in South Africa and the risks pose a threat to the entire nation. We should be supporting healthy food production systems that will sustain our people and the environment into the future. It is our understanding that no other government has allowed its staple food to be genetically modified.
The ACDP recognises the major considerations and implications that weigh on these issues. Decisions are not easy when provision of food in the short term cloud health risks and health threats in the longer term.
I do have to leave for another debate. However, I will follow up on this issue with you, Minister, and I will make what I said available, in case you didn't hear. Thank you. [Applause.]