Negros recidents recently formed the GMO-Free Negros Coalition, an association of 82 individuals and organizations from the peasants, non-governmental organizations, church people, students, academics, hotel and restaurant owners, and the private sector to oppose and resist the proposed entry of GMO (genetically modified organism) crops into the province.

They demand enforcing provincial ordinances prohibiting the entry, planting, breeding, testing, and distribution of live GMOs on the island.

In 2023, San Miguel Corporation expressed interest in investing in the province for a feed mill and poultry project. To proceed with the project, the local government proposed an ordinance on August 26 allowing corporations to plant GMO corn.

On September 30, the coalition submitted four position papers to the provincial board challenging the proposed ordinance. Youth students from various councils, organizations, and publications also held a protest in Bacolod City on September 18 to express their opposition.

The National Democratic Front-Negros also expressed strong opposition. It stated that allowing GMOs into the province would further plunge farmers into poverty as it would force them to rely on imported and foreign corporations controlled GMO grains and inputs. The group added that GMOs are health hazzards due to their biological effects, including allergies, antibiotic resistance, cancer, and long-term damage to human internal organs.