Manila, Sept. 17 -- Six animal raisers associations in Negros Occidental have issued a joint manifesto expressing support to the lifting of the province's 18-year-old ban on the entry of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), particularly Bt corn, through a regulatory ordinance now being deliberated by the Provincial Board.

The groups, which released the manifesto through the provincial government Tuesday night, included the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, Negros Occidental Layers Association, Association of Broiler Integrators of Negros Occidental, Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental, United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros, and Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators.

"As among the key players of this ...