BERLIN/LEVERKUSEN (dpa-AFX) - In their criticism of genetically modified seeds and the weedkiller glyphosate, human rights activists are putting some pressure on the agrochemical company Bayer. An alliance of Misereor and five other organizations announced in Berlin on Thursday that they had filed a complaint with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Bayer is demanding an agricultural model that leads to food insecurity, water scarcity, extreme deforestation, health risks and land conflicts at the expense of indigenous peoples and small farmers. The company is therefore in breach of the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct. The complaint relates to cases in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. Bayer rejected the allegations.

"The company has failed to respond appropriately to the serious human rights and environmental risks directly linked to its business model in the region," said Misereor representative Sarah Schneider. "Neither have the effects of the use of genetically modified seeds and pesticides been monitored, nor have effective measures been taken to prevent and mitigate them." In Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, more than half of the agricultural land is cultivated with soybean seeds. Glyphosate is used for this in turn. Bayer sells both products, i.e. the seeds and glyphosate products.

Critics see threats to humans, animals and plants

Abel Areco from the BASE-IS organization pointed out that people were suffering from poisoning and serious illnesses and that water sources were being polluted. "Indigenous and farming communities are being deprived of their land, which is affecting their way of life and diet." In addition, deforestation for soy cultivation is threatening the local flora and fauna.

One specific case of the complaint concerns a family in Argentina who lived close to soybean fields. They attributed serious health problems to the use of pesticides in the fields. The case reportedly ended up before an Argentinian court, and local officials were charged with breach of duty. Bayer products were found during raids. In the complaint, the link is now drawn to Leverkusen, as the critics also see Bayer as being responsible here.

Bayer's reaction

In response to the allegations, a Bayer spokesperson emphasized that product safety is always Bayer's top priority. "In numerous safety and approval studies on our products, we have clearly demonstrated on the basis of sound scientific evidence that our products are safe when used properly in accordance with the instructions for use and that neither people nor the environment are exposed to an unacceptable risk," explained the Bayer spokesperson.

The crop protection products are "thoroughly tested for their mode of action, their toxicological properties and the extent of possible residues in plants and in the environment". Approval studies are based on the strict international guidelines of the OECD. Extensive training courses are also held for farmers. Bayer is not aware of the incidents from South America mentioned in the study, said the spokesperson, and generally pointed out that the respective authorities are responsible for the framework conditions for agriculture in the countries concerned.

Bayer faces no sanctions

According to the non-governmental organizations, they submitted their complaint to the OECD's German contact point on Thursday. According to the alliance, the OECD now has three months to examine the complaint. After that, the complaints procedure could take up to a year. The critics and Bayer are to talk to each other in a mediation process. The OECD has no sanctions at its disposal.

"We demand that Bayer gets in touch with the communities and decides on compensation with them," said Silvia Rojas-Castro from the ECCHR (European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights). Bayer should also change its practices regarding genetically modified soybean seeds and glyphosate products./wdw/DP/jha