Groups against genetically modified organisms (GMO) called for a national boycott of Monsanto Corp., which holds the patent for the commercialisation of the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn in the country.

The Resistance and Solidarity Against Agrochemical Transnational Corporations (Resist), an alliance of anti-GMO groups, said in a press conference Thursday that the strike coincides with the launching of a book that exposes alleged crimes of the St. Louis, Missouri-based agrochemical company.

"Selling Food, Health, Hope: The Real Story behind Monsanto Corp." was written by Sarah Wright, a researcher of the Masipag network of people's organizations, nongovernment organizations and scientists.

"Monsanto has been selling itself as a clean, green and trustworthy company. Unfortunately their record shows this is not true," Wright said.

The book contains information gathered from personal interviews conducted by Wright, as well as documents on the alleged health and environmental implications of Monsanto's Bt corn seeds.

Aside from Bt corn, Monsanto is also engaged in the production and sale of chemical fertilizers and pesticides such as Roundup; Machete and Har-ness Xtra.

These products are now the targets of the boycott.

"We urged our fellow farmers to stop patronizing Monsanto's products. Instead, we should adopt organic farming for other sustainable agricultural practices that are healthier, cheaper, safer to the environment and increasingly more in demand by consumers," said Masipag chairman Igmedio Facunia, a farmer from Nueva Ecija.

The commercial distribution of Bt corn seeds in the country was approved last December despite opposition from various groups.

Farmers and environmental groups led by the Philippine Greens and farmer organization Pakisama went on a hunger strike for 30 days in front of the main office of the Department of Agriculture calling for a moratorium on the propagation of Bt corn.

Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Sr., however, stood firm on his position to commercialise the new corn variety.