Ecuador

Overview

Area km²: 283,561

Population: 17,684,536

Capital: Quito

ISO 3166: EC

Population density:
62.4 hab/km²

National flower*:
Flower of the Andes (Chuquiraga jussieui)

Petroleum is the engine of the Ecuadorian economy. Yet, agriculture, livestock production and fisheries, when analyzed together, constitute a very important sector of the country’s economy. Among Ecuador’s main export products, we find banana (the country being the world's largest banana producer and exporter), cacao, cut flowers, broccoli, plantains, crustaceans, tuna and other fish. Ecuador also produces coffee, rice, potato, cassava, maize and sugarcane. Agricultural imports mainly consist of soybean byproducts and wheat. Ecuador also produces poultry (the country is both exporter and importer) and beef cattle (for beef and milk).

* Another Nacional Flower: Roses (Rosa sp.).

GM Crops

Does the country plant GM crops?

For the time being, the country does not commercially produce GM crops.

Are there local developments?

Yes

Some examples of local developments

• Banana resistant to black sigatoka, developed at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE).

Benefits of GM crops

For the time being, Ecuador does not grow GM crops.

Regulation of GM crops

2017

Since

Brief description of the regulatory framework

The Environment Organic Code institutes a general framework that includes a biosafety chapter acknowledging that there are competent authorities in the matter that shall issue the relevant sectoral regulations, and also, establishing the composition of the National Biosafety Committee. Yet, the Constitution in force in Ecuador declares the country free of GM crops and seeds. Only by way of exception and in case of national interest, duly motivated by the President of the Republic and passed by the National Assembly, will GM seeds and crops be allowed in the country.

• Regulatory framework

GM animals

Does the country produce GM animals?

For the time being, the country does not commercially produce GM animals.

Brief description of the regulatory framework for GM animals

Even though there is no express mention of animals, the Environment Organic Code institutes a general framework that includes a GMO biosafety chapter acknowledging that there are competent authorities in the matter and establishing the composition of the National Biosafety Committee.

• Regulatory framework

Are there local developments?