(Ecofin Agency) - Finally, it is the court which will solve the dispute opposing American giant Monsanto to the Inter-professional Cotton Association of Burkina (AICB) as talks for an amicable solution failed, according to the association.

AICB claims Monsanto introduced the Bollgard II in Burkina Faso, genetically modified cotton that impaired the quality of local output on the international market due to shorter fibers. It estimated that damage resulting from this caused the country to lose FCFA48.3 billion.

Though Monsanto admitted there was an issue with the size of fibers, it indicates that this could be due to two factors, namely: environment and the plant’s genetic material. “The variation exists in all varieties of cotton (normal or GMOs) and is in no way attributable to the Bollgard II,” spokesperson to the company, William Brennan told Reuters adding that Monsanto was pursuing negotiations with its Burkinabe partners. AICB decided to abandon genetically modified seeds until the dispute is solved.    

AICB regroups cotton producers and main processors in Burkina namely Sofitex, Faso Coton and Socoma.

Aaron Akinocho