The scientific and policy debate on the potential benefits and risks of biotechnologies remains polarized. As more genetically modified crops, insects, and fish are developed, the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity provides a forum to monitor developments and address risk assessment and risk management …
The American astrophysicist defended genetically modified organisms, saying that they are just an extension of artificial selection He claims that practically every type for food for sale is genetically modified in some way already and there is little tasty 'wild' food National Academy of Sciences and European Commission say GM …
Claims that genetically modified rice that has not been approved for sale in China is being supplied illegally in a number of provinces have triggered alarm. China Central Television reported on Saturday that three of five bags bought at a supermarket in Wuhan, Hubei province, were found to contain GM …
Chinese authorities have vowed zero tolerance and harsh punishment for rule-violating sales and growing of genetically modified (GM) crops days after a media exposure of GM rice on sale at a supermarket in central China. "The ministry will punish any companies or individuals that ignore regulations to grow or sell …
A fledgling technology to manipulate the genes of crops in order to make them less susceptible to disease and more productive is at risk of falling foul of the European Union’s genetic modification rules, scientists warned on Monday. Genome editing is different to genetic modification, because it does not usually …
The Status of Commercialized Bt Brinjal in Bangladesh is a comprehensive report on the status of commercialized Bt brinjal in Bangladesh. This brief presents a thorough review and analysis of the deregulation of Bt brinjal in Bangladesh – from the scientific and biosafety assessment and commercial release to the planting …
A new study published by Chatham House, 'On Trial: Agricultural biotechnology in Africa' looks at the issues that have prevented modern agricultural biotechnology from achieving its full impact in Africa in transforming people's lives. Agriculture is central to the livelihood of millions of people in Africa but African agriculture remains …
The health effects of a Roundup-tolerant NK603 genetically modified (GM) maize (from 11% in the diet), cultivated with or without Roundup application and Roundup alone (from 0.1 ppb of the full pesticide containing glyphosate and adjuvants) in drinking water, were evaluated for 2 years in rats. This study constitutes a …
The manner in which the United Progressive Alliance government approved field trials of genetically engineered crops in the last few weeks of its term in office speaks poorly of its regard for the decision-making process.
The government plans to introduce a genetically modified variety of cotton to scale up production of the key textiles raw material and meet rising demand, the agriculture minister said yesterday. “Bangladesh wants to introduce genetically modified Bt cotton within a short time, as it did in the case of Bt …
A West Australian farmer who claims his neighbour contaminated his crops with genetically modified canola will appeal a Supreme Court judgment against him. When Steve Marsh sued former friend Michael Baxter, he alleged he lost organic certification for more than half of his oats, rye and sheep farm in Kojonup …
OPEN Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), has called for the quick passage of the biosafety right bill and the adoption of Genetic Modified (GM) crops to enhance achievement of food security in the country. The forum assured that GM crops are safe for human, animal health and the environment and …
A GENETICALLY modified banana, which has the potential to dramatically reduce infant mortality and blindness in children across Africa is to undergo its first human trials in a major step towards becoming a staple for millions of people. The GM banana developed by Australian scientists is enriched with vitamin A …
Veteran agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury Wednesday said farmers will soon start producing Genetically Modified ‘Bt Cotton’ following field trials of bio-safety rules to boost cotton production in the country. ‘In Bangladesh about 0.5 million hectares of lands are under cotton production which can be brought under the GM, hybrid cotton …
The Avaaz online activist network is calling on Maltese activists to petition Maltese European Commissioner Tonio Borg not to grant approval to the first new genetically modified crop across Europe in 16 years, over serious doubts about GMOs’ long-term health and environmental impacts. “Malta and 18 other states voted to …
The West Australian government is seeking to change guidelines for organic food certification to allow a certain amount of genetically modified material. An ABC Rural revealed the state's Department of Agriculture and Food has made its first submission on GM tolerance to the Organic Industry Standards and Certification Council. In …
On 12 June 2014, EU environment ministers reached agreement on a proposed directive on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The directive provides a legal framework to allow EU countries to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs for reasons other than health or environment considerations. The proposal was …
Pesticide use is surging among U.S. corn farmers who are worried that some insects have become resistant to genetically modified versions of the crop. That’s an unexpected reversal since one of the promises of engineered corn when it was introduced 17 years ago was its ability to kill pests. The …
KARACHI: Research and commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops that included a commendable work of making an indigenous drought-resistant wheat variety has received a major blow with devolution of powers to provinces as there is absolute lack of official ownership of this important field and nobody knows whether it’s a …
After years of fractious talks, EU states have finally reached a compromise to allow cultivation of genetically modified (GM) food crops by giving their opponents an opt out, official sources said Wednesday. European Union member states will have the right to refuse GM crops on their territory, even if they …
An organic farmer has lost a landmark court case against a neighbour who grew genetically modified food. Steve Marsh was suing his neighbour and former friend Michael Baxter for $85,000 after claiming that GM canola drifted onto his oats, rye and sheep farm at Kojonup, 260km south-east of Perth. As …
