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Biotech News Headlines
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Following are recent biotech news headlines from a few articles and editorials about the farmers, scientists, academic institutions and government agencies who use, research, review and debate the benefits of biotech. Please click on a link below to view the corresponding article for the selected biotech news headline.
June
June 06, 2008
Scientists Advocate GM Food
Daily Guide (Retrieved from Modern Ghana)
Participants from Australia, the United States and some African countries recently attended a three-day international conference in Nigera on the need for genetically modified crops in Africa, specifically Bt cowpea. The meeting was organized by the Nairobi-based African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Currently, AATF is working to develop a new genetically modified cowpea with a Bt gene that would enable smallholder farmers in Africa to have access to high quality cowpea varieties with increased resistance to maruca pod borer, an insect that troubles the produce.
Participants from Australia, the United States and some African countries recently attended a three-day international conference in Nigera on the need for genetically modified crops in Africa, specifically Bt cowpea. The meeting was organized by the Nairobi-based African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Currently, AATF is working to develop a new genetically modified cowpea with a Bt gene that would enable smallholder farmers in Africa to have access to high quality cowpea varieties with increased resistance to maruca pod borer, an insect that troubles the produce.
May
May 13, 2008
CropLife International Offers Online Biotech Benefits Database
SeedQuest
CropLife International announced its Biotech Benefits Database now contains over 80 published papers and reviews that demonstrate the benefits associated with the use of agricultural biotechnology products. The online database is a searchable collection of papers that has also been shared through the Biosafety Information Resource Center of the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH).
CropLife International announced its Biotech Benefits Database now contains over 80 published papers and reviews that demonstrate the benefits associated with the use of agricultural biotechnology products. The online database is a searchable collection of papers that has also been shared through the Biosafety Information Resource Center of the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH).
May 13, 2008
Egypt Approves Commercialization of First GM Crop
Wagdy Sawahel, SciDev.net
Egypt has approved the cultivation and commercialization of a Bt maize variety, marking the first legal introduction of genetically modified crops into the country. The maize variety is a cross between Monsanto’s MON 810 and an Egyptian maize variety with resistance to three corn borer pests. It is currently produced in South Africa, the only other country in Africa where GM crops have been approved, but starting next year the seeds with be grown in Egypt as well.
Egypt has approved the cultivation and commercialization of a Bt maize variety, marking the first legal introduction of genetically modified crops into the country. The maize variety is a cross between Monsanto’s MON 810 and an Egyptian maize variety with resistance to three corn borer pests. It is currently produced in South Africa, the only other country in Africa where GM crops have been approved, but starting next year the seeds with be grown in Egypt as well.
May 12, 2008
GM Crops Could Provide $8 Billion Boost
Daniel Palmer, Australian Food News
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) released a report on the possible economic benefits of adopting genetically modified (GM) crops in Australia. The report suggests that if Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland adopted major GM crops such as GM canola, wheat, maize, soybeans and rice, the economy would benefit by about $8.1 billion.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) released a report on the possible economic benefits of adopting genetically modified (GM) crops in Australia. The report suggests that if Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland adopted major GM crops such as GM canola, wheat, maize, soybeans and rice, the economy would benefit by about $8.1 billion.
May 08, 2008
Navigating the Genetic Engineering Maze
AlphaGalileo
This article cites research published in the International Journal of Biotechnology that found that in the decade since genetically modified strains of Bt maize have been grown in the European Union, crop yields have gone up, farmers' reliance on insecticides has fallen significantly, and the quality of maize has improved. The article also notes that this is true for other countries that have used Bt maize as well.
This article cites research published in the International Journal of Biotechnology that found that in the decade since genetically modified strains of Bt maize have been grown in the European Union, crop yields have gone up, farmers' reliance on insecticides has fallen significantly, and the quality of maize has improved. The article also notes that this is true for other countries that have used Bt maize as well.
May 08, 2008
Opposites Attract
A Book Review of Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak
A Book Review of Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak
Kate Washington, Sacramento News & Review
The Sacramento News and Review reviews the book Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics and the Future of Food, written by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak. The book, with its fresh and intriguing premise, its unconventional style and its passion for improving farming and food production, is worth reading with an open mind. The authors contend that the wedding of genetic engineering and organics—concepts that aren’t as black and white, or as diametrically opposed, as many assume—is a new idea of how to support the world’s growing population through environmentally sustainable farming.
The Sacramento News and Review reviews the book Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics and the Future of Food, written by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak. The book, with its fresh and intriguing premise, its unconventional style and its passion for improving farming and food production, is worth reading with an open mind. The authors contend that the wedding of genetic engineering and organics—concepts that aren’t as black and white, or as diametrically opposed, as many assume—is a new idea of how to support the world’s growing population through environmentally sustainable farming.
April
April 23, 2008
Herbicide Tolerant Plants Can Help Improve Water Quality
American Society of Agronomy (Retrieved from Genetic Modification Blog)
This article originally from the American Society of Agronomy claims that herbicide-tolerant crops can improve water quality. The article cites a study conducted by soil scientists Martin Shipitalo and Lloyd Owens, and agricultural engineer Rob Malone at the USDA-ARS’s North Appalachian Experimental Watershed near Coshocton, OH, aimed to compare the relative losses of residual and contact herbicides when applied at normal rates.
This article originally from the American Society of Agronomy claims that herbicide-tolerant crops can improve water quality. The article cites a study conducted by soil scientists Martin Shipitalo and Lloyd Owens, and agricultural engineer Rob Malone at the USDA-ARS’s North Appalachian Experimental Watershed near Coshocton, OH, aimed to compare the relative losses of residual and contact herbicides when applied at normal rates.
March
March 28, 2008
Demon Seed: How Fear of Life-Saving Technology Swept through Africa
Kerry Howley, Reason Online
Kerry Howley, a senior editor at Reason, posted a portion of her interview with Robert Paarlberg on her blog. Dr. Paarlberg, a professor of Political Science at Wellesley College and associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, discusses the need for GM seeds in Africa and his latest book: Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa.
Kerry Howley, a senior editor at Reason, posted a portion of her interview with Robert Paarlberg on her blog. Dr. Paarlberg, a professor of Political Science at Wellesley College and associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, discusses the need for GM seeds in Africa and his latest book: Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa.
March 04, 2008
Brazil GMO Cane Research Advances, Waits for OK
Reuters
Brazil is working on developing genetically modified sugar cane to be used in ethanol and sugar production. Though field trials are currently being conducted, the cane may not be commercially available for another seven years due to strict biotechnology regulation.
Brazil is working on developing genetically modified sugar cane to be used in ethanol and sugar production. Though field trials are currently being conducted, the cane may not be commercially available for another seven years due to strict biotechnology regulation.
February
February 28, 2008
Scientists Advance "Drought Crop"
BBC News
Scientists say they have made a key breakthrough in understanding the genes of plants that could lead to crops that can survive in a drought. Researchers in Finland and the United States say they have discovered a gene that controls the amount of carbon dioxide a plant absorbs. It also controls the amount of water vapour it releases into the atmosphere. This information could be important for food production and in regulating climate change.
Scientists say they have made a key breakthrough in understanding the genes of plants that could lead to crops that can survive in a drought. Researchers in Finland and the United States say they have discovered a gene that controls the amount of carbon dioxide a plant absorbs. It also controls the amount of water vapour it releases into the atmosphere. This information could be important for food production and in regulating climate change.
February 28, 2008
GM Maize: 110,000 Hectares Under Cultivation
GMO Compass
This article outlines adoption of genetically modified maize in the EU by country. Nearly 110,000 hectares were grown in Spain, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Germany in 2007. It was grown on only 62,000 hectares the previous year.
This article outlines adoption of genetically modified maize in the EU by country. Nearly 110,000 hectares were grown in Spain, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Germany in 2007. It was grown on only 62,000 hectares the previous year.
February 27, 2008
Agriculture Ministry Growing Five Food Crops through Genetic Engineering
TradingMarkets.com Article from Checkbiotech.org
The Agriculture Ministry's Research and Development Agency in Indonesia is currently developing five genetically engineered food crops for use in five years. The food crops the agency was growing through genetic engineering were tomato, potato, papaya, rice and cassava.
The Agriculture Ministry's Research and Development Agency in Indonesia is currently developing five genetically engineered food crops for use in five years. The food crops the agency was growing through genetic engineering were tomato, potato, papaya, rice and cassava.
February 27, 2008
South African GM Crops Up 30 Percent in 2007/08
Reuters Africa
South Africa's genetically modified (GM) crop area rose by 30 percent in the 2007/08 season compared to a massive growth of 180 percent in the previous season. South African farmers cultivated 1.8 million hectares of genetically modified maize, soya beans and cotton last year up from 1.4 million in the 2006/07 season.
South Africa's genetically modified (GM) crop area rose by 30 percent in the 2007/08 season compared to a massive growth of 180 percent in the previous season. South African farmers cultivated 1.8 million hectares of genetically modified maize, soya beans and cotton last year up from 1.4 million in the 2006/07 season.
February 24, 2008
What Farmers Think About GM Crops
News Release from the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
Researchers at Open University in the UK conducted a study on attitudes of farmers concerning genetically modified crops. The study found that most farmers who have been exposed to GM crops simply believe that the technology is an extension of previous plant breeding techniques and do not think GM raises any issues of principle.
Researchers at Open University in the UK conducted a study on attitudes of farmers concerning genetically modified crops. The study found that most farmers who have been exposed to GM crops simply believe that the technology is an extension of previous plant breeding techniques and do not think GM raises any issues of principle.
February 22, 2008
Pioneer Sees GMOs Gaining Global Market Acceptance
Karl Plume, Reuters
This article discusses the benefits of genetically modified crops in a time when food prices are rising sharply. The article cites GM crops as one of the only possible technologies that will help curb rising food prices.
This article discusses the benefits of genetically modified crops in a time when food prices are rising sharply. The article cites GM crops as one of the only possible technologies that will help curb rising food prices.
February 06, 2008
Why We Need GM Foods
Michael Wigan, The Telegraph (UK)
In this article, the author explains that some GM crops enable farmers to significantly reduce tillage — or tractor-trips across the field to aerate the soil. He cites the resulting benefits — reductions in labor, lower fuel costs, less wear-and-tear on machinery and lower carbon emissions — as reasons why genetic modification is a technology that addresses contemporary problems.
In this article, the author explains that some GM crops enable farmers to significantly reduce tillage — or tractor-trips across the field to aerate the soil. He cites the resulting benefits — reductions in labor, lower fuel costs, less wear-and-tear on machinery and lower carbon emissions — as reasons why genetic modification is a technology that addresses contemporary problems.
February 05, 2008
Bt Cotton Acreage Touches 66% in Current Season in India
Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd.
This article reports on the status of India’s cotton cultivation, stating that an estimated 66 percent of all cotton planted in India is currently genetically modified Bt cotton. The author breaks the percentage down by region, with the central region of India planting the most percentage wise.
This article reports on the status of India’s cotton cultivation, stating that an estimated 66 percent of all cotton planted in India is currently genetically modified Bt cotton. The author breaks the percentage down by region, with the central region of India planting the most percentage wise.
January
January 30, 2008
Agri-biotech Sector Grows at 30%
Dilip Kumar Jha, Mumbai, The Business Standard
This article reports that India’s agri-biotech sector has grown 30 percent over the last five years, growth that is expected to continue in the future as well. The article notes that within six years, the Bt cotton acreage in the country has grown manifold accounting for about 70 percent of the total area under cotton cultivation in 2007-08.
This article reports that India’s agri-biotech sector has grown 30 percent over the last five years, growth that is expected to continue in the future as well. The article notes that within six years, the Bt cotton acreage in the country has grown manifold accounting for about 70 percent of the total area under cotton cultivation in 2007-08.
January 30, 2008
Farmers May Have Golden Rice by 2011-IRRI
Reuters, LiveMint.com
LiveMint.com, a Web site run by the Wall Street Journal, posted a Reuters article on the possible launch of Golden Rice by 2011, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). IRRI is conducting field trials in the Philippines this year.
LiveMint.com, a Web site run by the Wall Street Journal, posted a Reuters article on the possible launch of Golden Rice by 2011, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). IRRI is conducting field trials in the Philippines this year.
January 29, 2008
Bt Cotton Continues to Open Up Economic Opportunities in India
Joseph Vackayil, The Financial Express (India)
The article reports Bt cotton has seen growth in India, stating farmers of Vempavur village, in Perambalur district, in Tamil Nadu have decided to increase the acreage under genetically modified Bt cotton (both Bollgard and Bollgard II varieties) next season indicating the increased popularity of the seed among the state's farmers.
The article reports Bt cotton has seen growth in India, stating farmers of Vempavur village, in Perambalur district, in Tamil Nadu have decided to increase the acreage under genetically modified Bt cotton (both Bollgard and Bollgard II varieties) next season indicating the increased popularity of the seed among the state's farmers.
January 29, 2008
Biotech Yield Endorsement Is Good for America's Corn Growers
Western Agricultural Insurance Company Press Release
Western Agricultural Insurance Company and its affiliate, Crop1 Insurance Direct, Inc., will begin offering farmers the new Biotech Yield Endorsement (BYE) insurance that would reward corn growers for using biotech crops. The program, approved by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, provides farmers with a lower crop insurance premium when they plant at least 75 percent of their insured acres within each insured unit to non-irrigated corn for grain qualifying hybrids with YieldGard VT Triple(TM) and/or YieldGard Plus(R) with Roundup Ready(R) Corn 2.
Western Agricultural Insurance Company and its affiliate, Crop1 Insurance Direct, Inc., will begin offering farmers the new Biotech Yield Endorsement (BYE) insurance that would reward corn growers for using biotech crops. The program, approved by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, provides farmers with a lower crop insurance premium when they plant at least 75 percent of their insured acres within each insured unit to non-irrigated corn for grain qualifying hybrids with YieldGard VT Triple(TM) and/or YieldGard Plus(R) with Roundup Ready(R) Corn 2.
January 23, 2008
Europe’s Continued Hostility to GM Crops Runs Afoul of Science, WTO
Gregory Conko and Henry I. Miller, Op-Ed in World Politics Review
This op-ed discusses the continued resistance by the European Union to force member countries to lift bans on genetically modified products. The World Trade Organization ruled in November 2005 that some European countries were breaking international trade rules by prohibiting the import of GM crops and food.
This op-ed discusses the continued resistance by the European Union to force member countries to lift bans on genetically modified products. The World Trade Organization ruled in November 2005 that some European countries were breaking international trade rules by prohibiting the import of GM crops and food.
January 23, 2008
Benefits Outweigh Risks from Genetically Modified Plants
University of Queensland Australia, UQ News Online
According to a new study authored by ethicist Dr. Lucy Carter, Australian states should not ban the commercial production of genetically modified crops, as the benefits far outweigh the risks. She said research that included risk assessments showed no compelling evidence of harm to humans and no reason for alarm.
According to a new study authored by ethicist Dr. Lucy Carter, Australian states should not ban the commercial production of genetically modified crops, as the benefits far outweigh the risks. She said research that included risk assessments showed no compelling evidence of harm to humans and no reason for alarm.
January 23, 2008
India May Turn Big Producer of GM Rice, Vegetables by 2010
M.R. Subramani, The Hindu Business Line
According to a research report by Rabo India Finance Ltd on the Indian agri-biotech sector, India could become a major producer of transgenic rice and other GM vegetables such as rice, wheat, eggplant (brinjal), tomato and okra (lady’s finger) by the year 2010.
According to a research report by Rabo India Finance Ltd on the Indian agri-biotech sector, India could become a major producer of transgenic rice and other GM vegetables such as rice, wheat, eggplant (brinjal), tomato and okra (lady’s finger) by the year 2010.
January 10, 2008
Harmonize Organic Farming with Biotechnology, Says Noted Indian Scientist
www.checkbiotech.org
Speaking at a seminar in Chennai, southern India, renowned Indian scientist M.S.Swaminathan stressed the need “’harmonise organic farming and the new genetics’ to ensure that agricultural productivity does not compromise ecological sustainability.”
Speaking at a seminar in Chennai, southern India, renowned Indian scientist M.S.Swaminathan stressed the need “’harmonise organic farming and the new genetics’ to ensure that agricultural productivity does not compromise ecological sustainability.”
January 08, 2008
Biotech Firm Plans to Fund GM Rice Crops with Carbon Credits
David Adam, The Guardian
The article reports Arcadia Biosciences will soon begin offering Chinese companies rewards for planting genetically modified crops. The biotechnology company will sell the companies carbon credits, which can then been resold for cash to companies wishing to offset flights by companies wishing to go “carbon neutral.”
The article reports Arcadia Biosciences will soon begin offering Chinese companies rewards for planting genetically modified crops. The biotechnology company will sell the companies carbon credits, which can then been resold for cash to companies wishing to offset flights by companies wishing to go “carbon neutral.”
January 06, 2008
Pioneer Modifies Sorghum to Boost Nutrition in Africa
Jerry Perkins, DesMoines Register
This article reports that Pioneer Hi-Bred International is developing transgenic sorghum that will help African people receive better nutrition. The second-generation of this crop that Pioneer has created has “more essential amino acids that are easily digestible, especially lysine, and more of vitamins A and E, along with more available iron and zinc.” Pioneer scientists are currently training African scientists in the United States to work on the project, so that the African scientists can also work on it back home in Africa.
This article reports that Pioneer Hi-Bred International is developing transgenic sorghum that will help African people receive better nutrition. The second-generation of this crop that Pioneer has created has “more essential amino acids that are easily digestible, especially lysine, and more of vitamins A and E, along with more available iron and zinc.” Pioneer scientists are currently training African scientists in the United States to work on the project, so that the African scientists can also work on it back home in Africa.
Please note that the information provided in these biotech news headlines, articles and releases was current as of the date of the original release or publication. Biotech news may remain posted or archived on this Web site after the original release or publication, but will not be revised to reflect new information that may become available after the original release or publication posting and may be superseded by later dated biotech news headlines, articles and releases.
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