NEWS ABOUT GM ISSUES • 2004
30 December 2004
Minister to abolish UK's GM scrutiny body
Champion of consumer choice falls victim to rift
The Guardian, 29 December 29, 2004. by Paul Brown, environment correspondent.
The environment secretary, Margaret Beckett, is to scrap an advisory committee after it repeatedly placed obstacles in the way of government plans to introduce genetically modified crops.
The commission established by the government to monitor ethical and social issues linked to GM crops is to be disbanded after its members insisted that conventional and organic farmers should be protected from contamination by GM crops - and be compensated if safeguards fail.
With the results of the latest GM trials due in February, Mrs Beckett, already known to be hostile to the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission, is expected to announce its demise early next month, before it can cause further difficulties.
When public hostility to GM crops was at its height four years ago, the government defused the row by creating a commission to discuss the social, ethical and economic issues surrounding their introduction in the British countryside.
They put in charge Professor Malcolm Grant, the provost of University College London, and appointed a wide range of members, from opponents of GM crops to staff of biotech companies.
With the government, urged on by the scientific community, apparently sold on the idea of making Britain a world leader in biotech, the efforts of the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission were largely ignored in Whitehall. This was partly because it seemed impossible, given the diverse membership, that the commission would agree on anything.
But the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and other pro-GM forces in the government, particularly Tony Blair, had not factored in the persuasive powers of Prof Grant, who managed to produce three influential consensus reports.
For the government, the most difficult of those emerged a year ago when the commission insisted the consumer should have the freedom to buy non-GM British food.
Although Defra says no final decision has been made, the committee has been told to complete all of its work as quickly as possible and make no plans for after April 1. Privately, members have been told the organisation is to be abolished.
Mrs Beckett, who proposed to the cabinet last February that the government should go ahead with GM crops, is believed to be in favour of proceeding as quickly as possible. The commission's reservations have long been an obstacle.
The latest test results on winter oilseed rape, the biggest potential GM crop in Britain, have not been published but the Guardian has learned that, unlike previous trials, they do not show serious detriment to the environment. The spring-sown varieties were ruled out 12 months ago because they damaged nature more than conventional crops.
Mrs Beckett has seized the opportunity to abolish the commission after an independent review of its first four years of operation concluded it should be replaced by a similar body with a wider remit. This is to accommodate changes in the EU's common agricultural policy which scrapped subsidies for maximum food production in favour of wider social and environmental priorities.
The commission has made life difficult for Mrs Beckett because it wants strict rules to protect farmers who do not want to grow GM crops, and restitution if unforeseen environmental damage occurs as a result of GM crops.
It demanded wide separation between GM and conventional crops to prevent cross-contamination, which would render conventional crops unsaleable to supermarkets. It recommended a compensation scheme for conventional and organic farmers, underwritten by the government. The government refuses to accept responsibility and says this must fall on the biotech industry, which also rejects the idea.
In the UK, permission to grow oilseed rape commercially will not be given imme diately because trials have not taken place to prove that the seeds provide a consistent and viable crop. This process takes two years, so the first crop could not be planted commercially until 2007.
A Defra spokesman said: "Because we have not made a formal announcement about the future of the commission, people are suspicious of what we are going to do. We are consulting with stakeholders, like English Nature."
The hostility between Defra and the commission is acknowledged in the independent review. It says relations with other sponsoring departments are good, but "strained" with the department running British agriculture.
The squabbling became so intense at times that Defra officials were excluded from meetings of the commission.
Sue Mayer, director of Genewatch UK and a commission member, said: "If the commission is abolished as planned with no other body picking up the social, ethical and economic dimensions of the GM debate, then the government will be failing the public again."
24 December 2004
GM foods should be banned, say doctors
Irish Examiner, 24 December 2004 (Letter to the Editor): The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association does not agree with the recent assertion by Prof David McConnell that we need GM foods for the 800 million starving people in the world.
People are starving because of unjust economic policies, not because they lack genetically engineered foods. These foods have never been tested for adverse health impact on humans and animal tests have given rise to concern.
Our association wants a complete ban on the growing of these plants and the sale of foods containing such products.
Dr Elizabeth Cullen,
Irish Doctorsí Environmental Association, Thomastown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare
Anger at Roche's GM abstention
Irish Independent, 24 December 2004. by Joe Humphreys. A farmers' representative group has joined environmental campaigners in condemning a decision by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Roche, to abstain on an EU vote to legalise a controversial new type of genetically modified (GM) food.
The Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers' Association (ICSA) said the EU Commission was likely to authorise the use of the oilseed rape product GT73 because a qualified majority of EU environment ministers failed to vote against it.
Ireland was one of seven countries to abstain in the Council of Ministers' ballot on Monday.
Six countries voted in favour of authorising GT73, and 12 countries voted against, leaving the anti-GM lobby marginally short of the necessary majority to have the product banned.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said the decision to abstain was based on a number of reasons, including scientific advice.
He noted Ireland had sought strengthened procedures to monitor the loss of seed during transport but this proposal was not taken into account in the resolution put before the Council of Ministers.
ICSA rural development chairman Mr John Heney said the Minister's decision was symptomatic of a wider failure to have a proper debate on GM policy in Ireland.
"As a food-exporting nation that can benefit from a natural green image, this simply isn't good enough. GM production methods make farmers dependent on big business, and result in food production that consumers don't want."
Mr Michael O'Callaghan, co-ordinator of the GM Free Ireland Network, also warned that the EU Commission was now likely to approve GT73, which is patented by US multinational Monsanto.
He said the product, which was engineered to withstand a Monsanto weedkiller, was far more dangerous than other GM animal feeds because it was a living GM seed that sprouted easily and grew rapidly, thereby increasing the risk of contaminating other plants.
Independent MEP Ms Kathy Sinnott (Munster) was "outraged" by Mr Roche's decision to abstain in the vote, saying he had "no mandate from the Irish people" to do so.
22 December 2004
Minister criticised for abstaining on GM vote
Irish Independent, December 2004. By Aideen Shehan. Environment Minister Dick Roche has been criticised for abstaining on crucial EU decisions over genetically modified policy, meaning Ireland does not have a say on which new products are authorised.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association said this was leading to a democratic deficit resulting in "decision making by default" by the European Commission because ministers were not making a decision.
This follows Monday's Farm Council meeting where Environment Ministers voted 135 to 78 against the authorisation of oilseed rape GT73, but failed to reach the qualified majority necessary to effect a decision because a number of countries including Ireland abstained from the vote.
Biotech giant Monsanto is seeking authorisation for the GT73 herbicide-resistant oilseed rape for use in industry and animal feed, but not for human consumption or to grow.
The ICSA said Ireland had failed to grasp the fact there was widespread consumer concern across Europe about GM production methods and that as a food-producing nation we could benefit from a natural green image.
"The effect of abstaining is to leave the door open for decision making by default, whereby the commission will allow for a more liberal pro-GMO regime, even though a majority of member states are against it," said John Heney, ICSA Rural Development Chairman.
Red Grouse facing extinction in Ulster
A survey has shown that the red grouse is close to extinction in Northern Ireland. Maeve Connolly reports on how environmentalists were saddened but not shocked by the news. The native red grouse is the latest Irish bird in danger of extinction with just 200 pairs left in the north, a new survey has found.
The numbers of the game bird left are now described as Ñperilously lowâ with environmentalists calling for immediate action to save the species.
The survey found that there are none of the birds in the hills of south Armagh and they are in danger of extinction in the Mournes. The loss of bog and moor land, the birds natural habitat, is principally being blamed for the fall in numbers. The bird is native to Ireland and Britain and has been listed as a åpriority species' in the north since 2000. Grouse feed on heather and are shy by nature. They live in remote areas and this has made it difficult to carry out a precise census. There is little difference in appearance between the sexes but the territorial disposition of the males enabled a census to be carried out for the first time.
"To identify where they were, tapes of male calls were played and the birds are so territorial they called back," according to Dr Michael Meharg from the bio-diversity unit of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS). Each return call meant the EHS had identified a mating pair of grouse. "The females are very secretive," Dr Meharg said. There is debate among the ornithological community as to whether the red grouse in Ireland differs from its feathered friends in Scotland or if the birds are a sub species of the willow grouse. The EHS is collecting feathers and will carry out DNA testing to get to the bottom of the argument. With a reddish plumage, the grouse is the size of a small chicken and is speckled to blend in with its surrounds although, according to Dr Meharg, in Ireland the bird's plumage is "a little more yellow or orange".
Dr John Faulkner, director of Natural Heritage in the EHS, said he was disappointed but not surprised by the survey findings. "Two hundred pairs scattered among the hills is a very small and fragmented population," he said. "The survey found no birds at all in the hills of south Armagh. In the Mournes grouse are clearly in danger of extinction."
The deterioration or destruction of their bog and moor land habitat agricultural practices in the past three decades is thought to be a principal reason for the low numbers. The game bird can be hunted in the north from August 12 until December 1 although the tradition is not as prevalent in Northern Ireland as parts of Scotland and north England. Grouse levels are high in these places and care is taken to maintain them. Gamekeepers keep predators at bay and the heather is burned in seven-year cycles to ensure the birds always have a rich and nutritious food source. This tradition has faded away in Northern Ireland.
The EHS report will be presented to the Northern Ireland bio-diversity group for consideration before a decision is made on what action is to be taken.
21 December 2004
EU Split Over GMO Rapeseed, Awaits Default Approval
Reuters. December 21, 2004. By Jeremy Smith.
BRUSSELS - EU environment ministers failed to agree on Monday on authorising imports of a genetically modified (GMO) rapeseed, the ninth occasion in a row where the bloc has been deadlocked over biotech foods, officials said. Again exposing the EU's deep divisions on the issue, the 25 ministers were unable to muster a majority either to approve or reject the import request for the rapeseed, known as GT73 and marketed by US biotech firm Monsanto.
"It will go back to the Commission now, probably in January, and the Commission has to approve it," a Commission official told reporters. The date for this will probably depend on the time needed to finalise the paperwork.
Although there was no formal vote, the ministers indicated there was no change to their known positions on GT73, which were circulated at a meeting of EU ambassadors last week.
Then six national delegations -- Finland, France, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden and the Netherlands -- said they were in favour of approving the rapeseed, diplomats said.
Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, Germany, Britain and the Czech Republic said they would abstain. The remainder were opposed.
GT73 rapeseed is modified to resist the non-selective herbicide glyphosate and allow farmers to manage weeds more effectively. Monsanto's request is for use in animal feed and industrial processing, not for growing.
Under the EU's complex decision-making process, if EU member states fail to agree after three months at ministerial level on allowing a new GMO into the bloc, then the Commission -- the bloc's executive arm -- may rubberstamp an authorisation.
It will be the third GMO to be authorised since the EU restarted approving new GMO products for import in May 2004, ending a de facto biotech moratorium that began in 1998.
Since 1998 all avenues have been explored to find a consensus among states opposed to gene crops and those in favour, leaving the executive to decide.
But the EU has not yet touched the more contentious issue of allowing new GMO crops to planted in Europe's fields -- the test of whether the bloc's biotech ban is really over -- and just a handful of GMO crops have won EU approval for growing.
20 December 2004
EU advisory body urges tough GM seed purity law
Environment Daily, 20 December 2004. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has weighed into the GM debate by recommending 0.1% as the acceptable level for accidental contamination of conventional crops by biotech seeds.Ý A report from the advisory body gives a further indication that political opinion is turning against higher contamination levels mooted by the outgoing European Commission. The EESC also calls for greater harmonisation of national approaches to coexistence of GM and non-GM cultivation.Ý
_______________________
17 December 2004
Oversight on Bioengineered Crops Is Poor, Report Says
Washington Post, 16 December 2004. By Rick Weiss.
Federal oversight of crops genetically engineered to produce medications in their seeds and leaves is inadequate to prevent unwanted contamination of food crops, according to an analysis released yesterday by a scientific advocacy group. As a result, the report concludes, consumers are at risk of inadvertently dosing themselves with prescription drugs while eating a morning bowl of cereal.
The report, which biotech executives and regulators denounced as overwrought, is the latest to look at the small but rapidly growing "pharma" sector of agriculture, in which corn, soybeans and other plants are being designed to produce high-tech drugs or industrial compounds in their tissues.
The approach has many advantages over traditional systems for manufacturing those products, including potential cost savings, the report concludes. But it also raises the specter of accidental contamination of the food supply with blood thinners, hormones or any of the scores of biologically active compounds being made experimentally in plants.
"No one-not consumers, not food companies, not biotech companies-wants to discover drugs in our cornflakes," said Margaret Mellon of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a group long critical of the federal regulatory scheme for agricultural biotechnology.
The group commissioned six independent experts in the fields of agronomy, entomology and ecology to conduct an analysis of the fledgling industry, which makes a few chemicals for industrial uses and an array of drugs, none of which is yet approved for marketing. The analysis concluded that significant changes are needed in the way the Agriculture Department oversees the cultivation of such plants if the risk of contamination is to be brought close to zero.
"Genes can move in pollen by wind or insects. Seeds can get stuck in machinery or mixed in storage and transportation systems. There are very many routes of vulnerability," panel chairman David Andow of the University of Minnesota said yesterday in a telephone news conference timed to coincide with release of the report, "A Growing Concern: Protecting the Food Supply in an Era of Pharmaceutical and Industrial Crops."
The expert panel-which Andow said operated independently of the UCS-recommended that any one of three approaches be taken: Grow pharma crops in geographically isolated parts of the country; set up a harvest, storage and processing system completely separate from the existing network of farm equipment, silos and other facilities used to grow and store food crops; or ban all outdoor cultivation of food crops engineered to make medications or chemicals-a move that would require companies to switch to less familiar plant species for their pharma experiments.
The UCS called for such a ban yesterday, saying it is unrealistic to think that any other system could prevent cross-contamination.
History shows that genetic isolation of crops is a challenge. In 2002, for example, ProdiGene Inc. botched efforts to contain a pig vaccine it was developing in corn. With contamination of field corn and soybeans suspected, large quantities of those crops had to be burned, and the USDA began to develop new rules.
In March 2003, those rules went into effect. They require larger buffer zones around pharma fields to decrease the odds that genealtered pollen will drift onto conventional crops; dedicated farm equipment to make sure altered seeds and other plant parts do not get mixed with food crops; a sevenfold increase in federal inspections of experimental fields; and other restrictions.
Those safeguards are "absolutely" adequate, said Cindy J. Smith, deputy administrator of biotechnology regulation for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which oversees pharma crops. Smith noted there were only 44 acres devoted to U.S. field trials of such crops this year.
The guidelines are "very stringent" said Lisa Dry, a spokeswoman for the Biotechnology Industry Organization. "This is not some cavalier, 'Let's grow some duckweed and make some drugs!' "
Andrew Baum, president and chief executive of SemBioSys Genetics Inc., a Calgary-based pharma crop company growing drugs in safflower, said food crops are ideal for the new science because their biology is so well understood. He said he opposes a ban but welcomes governmental oversight, if nothing else, to allay the emerging business sector's liability concerns.
"We realize that if we screw this up, we're out of business," Baum said. "We want regulation, and we want it visible. I mean, bring it on."
16 December 2004
Mexican Lawmakers Approve Controversial GM Law
Reuters, Mexico City, December 16, 2004. Mexican lawmakers approved a new law on Tuesday to regulate genetically modified crops, but opponents said it catered more to the interests of big business than to the protection of centuries-old biodiversity.
Legislators in Mexico's lower house of Congress approved the law by a vote of 319 to 105, with 17 abstentions.
Supporters said it would enable the regulation of GM crops in Mexico and an evaluation of any possible risks to human health and the environment.
Opposition to the law came mostly from the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution, which claimed, along with environmental groups like Greenpeace, that the new law would endanger corn diversity in Mexico, the birthplace of the grain.
"It's important to make clear that we are not completely satisfied with the result, given it does not express many of the demands we come across in the course of our work," said PRD deputy Jose Luis Cabrera.
Greenpeace has called the new legislation the "Monsanto Law," claiming it protects the economic interests of the multinational producer of genetically modified crops from policies that could cut into profits.
"This only benefits multinationals and supports the interests of a tiny elite in Mexico and goes against thousands of farmers," Greenpeace spokeswoman Cecilia Navarro told local media after one of the group's activists briefly entered the debating chamber in Congress.
A NAFTA environmental panel from Canada, the United States and Mexico recommended in October that Mexico adopt strict measures to control imports of genetically modified corn.
One recommended measure, which could only be carried out at considerable expense to companies like Monsanto, was that corn be milled at the border, before entering Mexico, in order to prevent contamination of its 7,000-year-old corn gene pool.
In recent weeks the report was attacked by US authorities as "fundamentally flawed and unscientific," and Mexican trade authorities said they had no plans to change import policies.
Mexican farmers say they need to stop imported corn that is genetically modified from mixing with local strains.
Mexico is viewed by scientists as the birthplace of corn and many fear that introducing transgenic or genetically modified corn could harm it.
Food Supply Vulnerable to Contamination by Drugs and Plastics from Gene-Altered Crops
UCS Calls for Ban on Food Crops Genetically Engineered to Produce Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Chemicals
Press Release from the Union of Concerned Scientists December 15, 2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For more than a decade, corn, soybeans, and other food crops genetically engineered to produce drugs, vaccines, and industrial chemicals have been grown on American farms. But a new report by six agricultural experts now warns that the food supply is vulnerable to contamination by these "pharmaceutical crops"unless substantial changes are made in the ways and places such crops are grown and managed.
Based on the experts' findings, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately ban the field production of corn, soybeans, and other food crops engineered to produce pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals. UCS recommends that the USDA spearhead a major campaign to encourage and fund safer alternatives like non-food crops or growing pharmaceutical food crops indoors... Continued.
We must have some vision of who we are, says bishop
Irish Times, 16 December 2004. By Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent.
The problem facing modern society is that there is no agreement on what a human being is or what it is supposed to do, according to the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray.
"We must have some kind of vision of who we are. That is how we exercise our freedom,"he said.
Speaking last night at a conference on bioethics at the Institute of Technology, Carlow, he said it was very difficult to have an ethical discussion where there was no consensus. Lack of such consensus was why there was little meeting of minds in ethical discussion today where you have more heat than light.
"I believe the embryo is a human person. This is a crucial question. The whole of Christian tradition has held that everyone's life is deserving of respect,"he said.
Prof Santiago Sia, dean of Carlow College, said ethics was not merely a matter of going by the book - it was much more than following an agreed way of behaving. He said that science was concerned with pushing out boundaries and what can be done whereas ethics was about what ought and ought not to be done.
"Our knowledge of what is ethical is not absolute, though there may be absolute moral principles,"he said.
Prof Peter Whittaker of Lancaster University spoke about stem-cell research and the divisions of attitudes to it. He also said it could be unethical not to do things. He noted that the number of embryos stored across Europe was in six figures at this stage and said he felt it would be far more ethical to use these to save or improve life rather than have them destroyed.
Discussing genetically modified food, Trinity Professor of Genetics, Prof David McConnell, said the way Europe had treated scientists was unethical and immoral. He accused Europeans of "profound post-colonial arrogance"when it came to the use of GM in developing countries. "Our attitude is causing death and illness for no good reason,"he said. There were 800 million starving people in the world today, with 45,000 dying of hunger every 24 hours, he said.
"We have got to introduce GM technology if we are to feed these people - that is the view of GM scientists."
Public varies in views on science
Irish Times, 16 December 2004. Under the Microscope, by Dr William Reville. Which of the following statements are true and which are false?
(a) Lasers function by making sound-waves converge; (b) Antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria; (c) Electrons are smaller than atoms; (d) The genes of the father determine whether a baby is a boy or a girl; (e) All radioactivity is man-made; (f) The Earth goes round the sun in a month; (g) The first humans lived at the same time as the dinosaurs; (h) Radioactive milk can be made healthy by boiling it; (i) The sun rotates around the Earth; (j) Humans have evolved from older animal species; (k) The oxygen we breathe comes from plants; (l) Continents have been moving for millions of years and will continue to move; (m) The Earth's core is very hot.
These questions formed a small part of a large survey of European attitudes to and knowledge of science and technology in the 15 member states carried out on behalf of the Directorate General for Research of the EU in 2001.
The survey is called Eurobarometer 55.2. I will now give you the answers to the above questions. In the following list T and F indicate whether the statement is true or false and the succeeding numbers indicate the percentage of people who reported the statement as true, false or "don't know". (a) F, 26.6, 35.3, 38.1; (b) F, 41.3, 39.7, 19.0; (c) T, 41.3, 23, 35.7; (d) T, 48.1, 30.2, 21.6; (e) F, 26.5, 52.6, 20.9; (f) F, 22.9, 56.3; 20.9; (g) F, 20.3, 59.4, 20.3; (h) F, 11.8, 64.2, 24.0; (i) F, 26.1, 66.8, 7.1, (j) T, 68.6, 16.6, 14.8; (k) T, 79.7, 13.6, 6.7; (l) T, 81.8, 5.5, 12.7; T, 88.4, 3.5, 8.1.
Eurobarometer 55.2 is a follow-up on a 1992 survey. It gives a good snapshot of public appreciation and understanding of science. Most people (61 per cent) feel they are poorly informed about science but 45 per cent declare they are interested in the subject and 52 per cent say they are not interested.
The areas of greatest interest to Europeans are medicine, the environment and the Internet (particularly among younger people) and TV is the preferred medium for obtaining information on scientific developments.
Visiting science and technology museums is uncommon. Scientific knowledge has progressed little since the 1992 survey with the single exception of knowledge of the action of antibiotics on viruses.
In 1992, 27 per cent of people knew antibiotics were powerless against viruses whereas 39.7 per cent knew this in 2001.
The overall view of science among the general population remains positive. Some 80 per cent of people feel scientific progress will cure diseases such as AIDS and cancer and 72 per cent feel science will provide greater opportunities for future generations. However, science and technology are not considered to be a panacea for a series of problems such as poverty, famine and scarcity of natural resources.
Only 16.5 per cent of people agreed with the statement "science and technology can solve all problems". Also, politicians and weak-kneed academics please note, 75 per cent of people favour government support for basic scientific research even if "it only helps knowledge to progress".
The public is divided on the issue of scientists' responsibility. Some 43 per cent agree with the statement "scientists are responsible for the misuse of their discoveries by others"and 42 per cent disagree. There is widespread desire for social control of science - 80 per cent of people agree with the statement that "the authorities should oblige scientists to obey ethical rules".
The public is definite in its opinion on genetically modified foods (GMF). Some 95 per cent of people want to have the right to choose whether to eat GMF, while 86 per cent of people want more information about GMF and 60 per cent believe that GMF could have negative effects on the environment.
The three most highly-regarded professions among the general population all have a scientific/technical dimension. Medical practitioners come first (chosen by 71 per cent), scientists come second (chosen by 45 per cent) and engineers come third (chosen by 30 per cent). Only 13.5 per cent choose business as the most esteemed profession and only 6.6 per cent choose politics.
Some other interesting findings reported were: 79 per cent of people said that "scientists and industrialists ought to co-operate"; 70 per cent said "more people ought to work in technological research and development in Europe"; 67 per cent reckoned "there should be more women in European scientific research".
Finally, we are experiencing something of a crisis in the matter of scientific vocations. The view of 42 per cent of people surveyed was, "This is a serious threat to future socio-economic development"; while 60 per cent said, "The authorities should try to remedy this situation". Rather worryingly, the top three reasons given by young people for lack of enthusiasm are (a) science lessons are unappealing, (b) science is too difficult and (c) young people are not interested in science. But I feel that the fourth reason given by young people and the population as a whole is critically important and this is the perception: salaries and career prospects are not sufficiently attractive in the scientific field. I feel that things would change radically if this perception were reversed.
William Reville is associate professor in biochemistry and director of microscopy at UCC.
6 December 2004
Shock pesticide levels in food
Guide shows 31,000 tonnes of chemicals on UK farmland
Belfast Telegraph, 6 December 2004. By Fiona McIlwaine Biggins. A shocking new guide to pesticide residues in our food highlights how much of what we eat has been treated with potentially lethal chemicals. The Soil Association's new 'What's Your Poison?' booklet points out that many chemicals used in agriculture pose a hazard to human health and the environment in general. The guide revealed that every year 31,000 tonnes of chemicals are applied to UK farmland. And while chemical companies have by law to provide safety information for the users of their products, consumers go on to eat the treated food.
The guide points out that most of the food we eat is produced from a farming system heavily reliant on these chemicals. Although they are used to kill targeted pests, diseases or weeds, the chemicals also create wider problems - damaging the natural balance of the soil, destroying wildlife and leaving chemical residues in a quarter of food. The Association also warned that there are "real uncertainties"about the effectiveness of official safety regulation of pesticides and some risks are unknown. A spokesperson for the Soil Association said: "People are right to be concerned about how food is produced and whether their health and that of their families is at unnecessary risk. "The damaging effect of farming with chemicals on the environment is accepted, yet the potential to damage human health has not been acknowledged by those appointed by the Government to control pesticides."
Some 30 years ago it was recognised that farm workers needed better protection from the harmful effects of the chemicals and protective clothing became a legal requirement. According to the Government, residues left by these same chemicals in food are at levels that do not pose any unacceptable risk to human health. The Soil Association believes people do not want chemical residues in their food and in response, the Food Standards Agency is now keen to find ways to minimise pesticide residues in food. However, according to the Soil Association, there are disputes over the most appropriate action and as a result very little has been achieved. The Government has still to prepare an effective pesticides reduction strategy for the UK - as it is required to do under EU rules.
Meanwhile, the National Farmers Union, which represents the views of UK farmers, said that chemicals are a "fundamental element of a farmer's business"and without them it would be difficult to grow enough food.
2 December 2004
China Likely to Decide on GMO Rice
in January
Planet Ark, 02.12.04. BEIJING - China is likely to decide within weeks
whether to become the world's first country to allow
commercial growing of genetically modified (GMO) rice,
government officials and activists said on Wednesday. If
approved, it would be the first major transgenic crop to be...
_______________________
1 December 2004
China looks to GM
rice to solve food problems
Business Report, South Africa, 30.11.04 November 30, 2004 Beijing -
China is on the verge of introducing genetically engineered
rice on a large scale as it seeks ways to adequately supply
the basic staple to its people, who make up one-fifth of
the world's population. Shrinking acreage, falling water...
_______________________
30 November 2004
EU'S food safety authority accused of industry bias
Brussels, Monday 29 November 2004 - A new report published today by Friends of the Earth heavily criticises the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its constant position in favour of the biotechnology industry.(1) Later today the European Commission, using advice from the EFSA, will ask EU member states to vote on the import of a new genetically modified (GM) maize - called MON 863 - and also on whether countries should drop national bans of GM crops. Today's Friends of the Earth report - THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND - is the first ever critique of the EFSA and its work on genetically modified (GM) foods. Earlier this year, the European Commission started using the EFSA scientific opinions as a basis to licence new GM foods. Dowload report (120kb PDF file)
EU backs away from clash over national GM bans
Environment Daily, 30 November 2004. EU states have failed to agree a proposal to overturn unilateral national bans on approved genetically modified (GM) crop varieties. The development, at a regulatory committee meeting in Brussels on Monday, drew a strong welcome from environmental groups.
Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg have banned specific GMOs approved in the EU citing health concerns. Based on scientific advice that none of the bans was supported by new evidence the European Commission proposed that they be asked to lift the bans or face legal action.
The regulatory committee also failed to approve or reject a proposed new GM maize variety (MON 863) for import to the EU. Decisions on both issues will now be passed to environment ministers.
Monday's decisions came as a new UK study concluded that GM crops have "no detrimental impact on biodiversity or farming methods"and can coexist with conventional cultivation. The 'Bright' study, looked at herbicide-resistant oilseed rape and sugarbeet grown in rotation with conventional crops over four years.
* Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth Europe (FOEE) claimed that Europe's food safety authority has taken "constant position in favour of the biotechnology industry". A FOEE report accuses Efsa scientists of having links with industry, and says the authority "continuously brushes aside evidence of differences and potential health effects of GM crops".
_______________________
Study finds benefits in GM crops
BBC Online. 30 November 2004. GM crops are no more harmful to the environment than conventional plant varieties, a major UK study has found. The Bright project looked at varieties of sugar beet and winter oil-seed rape which had been engineered to make them tolerant of specific herbicides. The novel crops were compared with non-GM cereals grown in rotation. The project concluded that the GM varieties, used in this way, did not deplete the soil of weed seeds needed by many birds and other wildlife.
_______________________
29 November 2004
German farmers to be liable for GM contamination
New Scientist, 27 November 2004. By Shaoni Bhattacharya. The German parliament has passed a controversial legal amendment that will protect farmers who grow conventional crops from any contamination by genetically modified versions.
The decision by the Bundestag on Friday means that GM farmers will be financially liable for any economic damage caused if their crops contaminate neighbouring non-GM products. The amendment now has to pass through the Bundesrat, the chamber of the federal states. The process is likely to be completed by the end of 2004.
The ruling obliges farmers of GM produce to take precautionary action to prevent "material negative effect"from their GM crops on neighbouring non-GM crops. For example, GM farmers should lay down minimum distances between fields.
A negative financial effect would include a situation, for example, where a conventional farmer was obliged to label their produce as "genetically modified"owing to cross-contamination. Under European Commission legislation, any produce which contains more than 0.9% GM material must be labelled as GM produce.
Certified organic farmers unable to label their produce as organic could also claim. The change in law will additionally demand a site register of where all GM crops are grown, as well as a compensation scheme.
"Biological experiment"
Environmentalists welcomed the law. "This law is good news for hundreds of millions of Europeans who do not wish to participate in the biggest biological experiment of our time and who want to eat food that is GM-free,"says Geert Ritsema of Friends of the Earth Europe. "This law should now be the benchmark for similar legislation in other EU member states."
But some farmers were unhappy with the move, with the German farmer's union, DBV, expressing its "regret".
"The consequences of the law will be that research and development [of GM crops] are neglected, which are necessary to assess in an impartial way the advantages and disadvantages of this green genetic technology,"it says.
"This will have catastrophic consequences,"says Heinrich Cuypers, managing director of BioConValley, a federation of north German biotech companies. "It will set the use of biotechnology in agriculture back years,"he told the UK's Financial Times newspaper.
The new law also introduces the idea of joint and several liability where it is not clear which farm caused contamination if several neighbouring farms cultivate GM crops. "A farmer who has sustained damage will be free to decide which neighbour to claim compensation from,"states the amendment.
_______________________
Dicing with death: plans are being made to genetically engineer smallpox virus
New Scientist, 20 November 2004. Editorial. It seems hardly believable. Only two years ago the World Health Organisation voted to keep alive the last official stocks of smallpox virus. Yet since that stay of execution, smallpox researchers have grown in ambition,. and this week comes news that scientists will be permitted to modify the genes of live virus for the first time. Has our need to tinker with this killer virus changed so dramatically in the past two years? Have we thought this through?...
_______________________
Master and commander: in the land where DNA is king, is a lowly servant pulling the strings?
New Scientist magazine, 27 November 2004. Life as we know it is about to be transformed. Until recently, we have been pretty confident we understood the cast of molecular characters that rule life on Earth. Now it seems that a veritable army has simply evaded detection...
_______________________
EU to Debate Allowing in Monsanto GMO
Maize
Planet Ark, 29.11.04 BRUSSELS - EU specialists vote next week on whether
to allow imports of a gene-spliced maize variety, but face
a re-run of a deadlocked September meeting that exposed the
bloc's divisions over biotech policy. If approved by the
environment experts, the maize made by US agrochemicals...
_______________________
Swiss
approve stem-cell research law
International Herald Tribune, France, 29.11.04 By Fiona Fleck The GENEVA
Swiss voters have backed a law allowing stem-cell research
in the first national referendum on an issue that has
divided both the European Union and the United States. More
than 66 percent of the 1.15 million Swiss who voted Sunday...
_______________________
27 November 2004
EU Nature fund to change
The Irish Times, 27 November 2004. The LIFE Nature fund, the EU's only dedicated financial commitment to biodiversity, is in serious trouble according to a report in the current issue of Wings magazine.
The current LIFE regulations run until the end of 2006. It is proposed that from 2007 a generalised environment fund called LIFE+ will cover all EU environmental activites.
This, according to Oran O'Sullivan and Coilin MacLochlainn of BirdWatch Ireland, will include few of the elements of LIFE Nature, such as funds for species protection and the restoration of habitats. Instead, it will support projects to raise public awareness of ways to manage protected sites. In response to queries from Birdlife and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the European Commission has said that while LIFE Nature would cease to exist, overall funds for nature conservation will increase to over ï6 billion. However, Birdwatch Ireland fears the management of threatened habitats may not be prioritised.
"Biodiversity is an abbreviation for biological diversity and we could not surivive without it,"says Elaine Keegan, biodiversity officer of Clare County Council. Keegan will give a talk entitled "Variety is the Spice of Life"in the Victoria Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway on Tuesday, November 30th, at 8 p.m.
26 November 2004
IUCN Urges Time Out for Genetically Modified Organisms
Environmental News Service, Bangkok, Thailand, November 22, 2004 (ENS) - Members of the world's largest conservation organization today called for a halt to the release of genetically modified organisms. Meeting in Bangkok, delegates from 1,000 organizations at the IUCN World Conservation Congress are debating 114 motions to decide the future direction of IUCN ‚ The World Conservation Union.
IUCN Director General Achim Steiner is leading 4,000 delegates from governments and non-governmental organizations through two weeks of heated debates and tough decisions.
The question with respect to genetically modified organisms boiled down to whether the IUCN should encourage a moratorium on genetically modified organisms, or help establish a sound body of knowledge on their environmental risks and impacts. At the Members Business Assembly today, delegates from both the government and the NGO sectors approved a moratorium by a wide margin.
[Note: The resolution was adopted with 84 votes of State Members in favour of it, 48 against and 12 not taking a position. Amongst the NGO Members, 219 voted in favour of the resolution, 22 against and 59 abstained. Each State Member has three votes, NGO Members have one.]
Press release and full text of resolution
22 November 2004
GM firms finally give up on planting in Britain
Independent on Sunday, 21 November 2004. By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor. Industry has dropped its last attempts to get GM seeds approved for growing in Britain, in a final surrender of its dream to spread modified crops rapidly across the country.
Bayer CropScience has withdrawn the only two remaining applications for government permission for the seeds - a winter and a spring oilseed rape, both modified to tolerate one of the firm's herbicides. Supporters of the technology say this will put back their commercial use in Britain for years. Environmentalists cite it as one more indication that they are never likely to be grown here.
The withdrawal of the applications marks a sharp contrast to the situation when The Independent on Sunday began its campaign over genetic modification nearly six years ago. At that time, 53 different GM seeds were awaiting approval, and widespread cultivation was assumed to be only a year away.
The Government had put all its weight behind the technology, aiming to make Britain its "European hub", and Tony Blair privately dismissed opposition as a "flash in the pan".
But rising public concern forced the Government to introduce a moratorium while tests were carried out on the effects on the environment of growing GM crops. The trials - the results of which were reported last year - found that the way GM beet and spring oilseed rape were cultivated damaged wildlife more than the growing of conventional crops (the results for winter oilseed rape are due to be published shortly).
The trials appeared to clear GM maize, but the IoS revealed that the verdict was invalid because a pesticide central to the clearance was about to be banned. The Government still gave approval for the maize to be grown - the only one given to a GM crop in Britain. But shortly afterwards, Bayer announced it would not proceed, saying that the controls on how the maize would be cultivated were too strict.
GM advocates presented this as a temporary setback, arguing that new varieties could be grown as early as 2006. Now, however, industry, ministers and environmentalists agree that the abandonment of the last applications means it will be the end of this decade, at the earliest , before any GM crops can be grown.
Any new application will now have to go through a long process to be approved. First, it will have to be passed by the European Union, an unlikely prospect as it has a moratorium on GM crops. Even if that hurdle were surmounted, the crop would have to go through two years of trials in Britain, and then get government approval - a process that will be fought by protesters.
Last week Bayer said it would not even try to carry out trials in Britain until the Government took strong measures to stop protesters pulling up the plants. And ministers now believe that there is no market for the crops, so they would not be grown even if approval were granted.
Yesterday, Pete Riley, director of the anti-GM campaign Five Year Freeze, said: "This development makes it even less likely that modified crops will ever be grown in Britain. The Government should now abandon its doomed obsession with GM crops and put together a coherent strategy to put the whole of UK farming on a sustainable basis."
17 November 2004
Greenpeace hails Bayer India GM
pullout
Reuters, November 16, 2004. Environment pressure group Greenpeace said on Monday it welcomed news that leading crop technology company Bayer had pulled out of genetic modification trials in India to focus on conventional plant breeding.
But Bayer -- which earlier this year ended development trials of GM maize and oilseed rape in Britain and Australia -- countered that it had ended the Indian trials of GM cabbage, cauliflower, aubergine, tomato and mustard seed some time ago.
"These projects were discontinued a couple of years ago due to changes in our global research strategy,"Bayer said on a letter to Greenpeace which the environment group released to the media on Monday.
"Overall, Bayer Cropscience India will continue to focus in the coming years on its conventional plant breeding research programme,"said the letter, signed by the company's head of corporate communications in India.
At its headquarters in Germany, a company spokesman said the GM business came to Bayer from its acquisition of Aventis CropScience in 2002, and it had never had any GM products on the market in India.
But Greenpeace noted the pullout decision had not been publicised and said the news would be a major blow to the pro-GM lobby.
"The significance of Bayer's decision cannot be overestimated,"it said in a statement. "Bayer's retreat from GM research is part of a larger pattern of retreat in the global GM industry."
Italy accepts biotech crops but allows regions to ban them
ROME (AFP) 11 November 2004. The Italian government gave the green light for genetically
modified (GMO) crops but said regions were free to ban them if their
citizens wished. Already 13 of the country's 20 regions, 27 provinces and
nearly 1,500 towns and communities have proclaimed themselves "GMO-free
zones"and they will be able to continue doing so. But Agriculture
Minister Gianni Alemanno said decree adopted by the cabinet would allow
for "coexistence"between opponents and supporters of biotech crops. The
government has stressed the need to defend traditional farming methods as
well as the right of consumers and producers to choose. He said 70
percent of Italians are opposed to genetic modification of crops. While
allowing biotech production, the law insists on extreme caution to avoid
cross-contamination by GMO seeds in the country's highly fragmented
agricultural land. The law had been delayed by the reticence of Prime
Minister Silvuio Berlusconi, who said his government had been elected to
give more rather than less freedom to citizens. But Alemanno said liberty
had to be accompanied by rules. Defenders of engineered crops had a
champion in former Health Minister Umberto Veronesi, who said there were
no products more carefully controlled.
Scheme to protect corncrake succeeds
The Irish Times, 17 November 2004. The corncrake, an endangered species, is making a comeback thanks to a unique National Parks and Wildlife scheme to protect the nesting grounds of the elusive calling bird. Tom Shiel reports.
According to figures from BirdWatch Ireland the results mark a milestone for corncrakes in the west with numbers returning to levels found immediately prior to the introduction of BirdWatch's emergency plan.
Then the population was in a tailspin, with a 90 per cent drop in numbers in the period 1988 to 1993.
A total of 33 calling (male) birds were counted this year between Sligo and Connemara.
This is up from 27 last year and more than twice as many as the low point in 2000 when the regional population dropped to just 14 birds.
This year's total included 15 calling birds on the shores of Blacksod Bay, Co Mayo - the most since the 1980s; three on the south Mayo coast; one each at Ballycastle and Westport; five in Sligo; seven in Connemara and the first on Clare Island, Co Mayo, in 25 years.
There was a rise from 82 last year to 90 in Donegal while the numbers in the Shannon Callows remained at 22.
The grant scheme offers a cash incentive to farmers to delay mowing until after the nesting season.
16 November 2004
Row over GM Papaya to
Surface at Environment Meet
Inter Press Service. 15 Nov. 2004. By Sonny Inbaraj, Bangkok
(IPS) - Thailand's most popular fruit, the papaya, is the
subject of a heated debate here on genetically modified
(GM) crops - an issue that will be taken up at a global
environmental conference this week. This has pit..
_______________________
GM crop safety tests 'flawed', new scientific paper shows
EU approval of Monsanto's GM corn questioned
GM Watch Daily. Brussels, November 16, 2004. A peer-reviewed scientific paper published
today in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews debunks the myth that
genetically modified (GM) crops are thoroughly tested, regulated and proven
safe.
The paper, "Safety Testing and Regulation of Genetically Engineered Foods"[1], includes a comprehensive case study of two types of
insecticide-producing GM corn (chiefly the MON810 variety of biotech giant
Monsanto Co.), showing how flawed testing and regulation permitted these
varieties onto world markets despite evidence that they could cause food
allergies. The European Commission recently approved 17 corn hybrids
derived from MON810. A number of countries including Poland, Austria, Italy,
Germany, Greece and Denmark have recently criticised the Commissions
approval of the corn. [2]
The scientific paper reveals fundamental flaws in how biotech companies test
and the U.S. government regulates GM crops. The paper thus raises serious
questions about whether GM foods, which have been on the market since 1994,
are in fact safe, as claimed by the biotech industry and U.S. regulators.
Authors Dr. David Schubert (cell biologist and medical researcher at
California's Salk Institute) and William Freese (research analyst with
Friends of the Earth U.S) base their meticulously documented, 25-page paper
on nearly 100 sources, including little-known U.S. regulatory documents and
unpublished studies by biotech companies. [3]
"One thing that surprised us is that U.S. regulators rely almost exclusively
on information provided by the biotech crop developer, and those data are
not published in journals or subjected to peer review,"said co-author
Schubert.
Added Freese: "In one case, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ignored
a published study by an Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientist
suggesting that GM corn could cause food allergies, and instead asked
Monsanto and Syngenta to essentially re-do FDA's analysis."
The US is the world's largest exporter of GM crops and accounts for nearly
two-thirds of all biotech crops planted globally. GM soy and GM corn
account for 83 percent of all GM crops planted on the planet.
"The picture that emerges from our study of U.S. regulation of GM foods is a
rubber-stamp 'approval process' designed to increase public confidence in,
but not ensure the safety of, genetically engineered foods,"said Schubert.
"We outline a testing scheme that would be a first step toward putting
regulation of GM foods on a scientific footing,"he added.
Geert Ritsema of Friends of the Earth Europe said: "This paper blows a hole
in the myth that GM foods are well tested and well regulated in the United
States. It also raises serious question marks over the safety of genetically
modified foods that the European Commission is forcing onto the market."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] E-mail one of the contacts above for a copy of the article, which forms
part of Volume 21 of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews
(http://www.intercept.co.uk/gb/not.asp?id=RS6LS3L6S6ROFD&rec=oui&pos=0&refer
er=%2Fgb%2Fdetail.asp%3Faction%3Dcurrent).
[2] At the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 18 october 2004 a
number of countries voiced their concerns
ue.eu.int/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/agricult/82235.pdf
[2] About the authors:
David Schubert, Ph.D is on the faculty of the Salk Institute of Biological
Studies in San Diego, California, where he is head of the Cellular
Neurobiology Laboratory. He has a B.A. in chemistry and a Ph.D. in cell
biology. Dr. Schubert's fields of scientific expertise are molecular
genetics, cell biology, and protein chemistry. He has published over 200
reviewed manuscripts in these areas and has written and lectured on the
potential health hazards associated with genetically modified crops. William
Freese has worked as research analyst with Friends of the Earth since July
2000. He was part of the team that discovered GM StarLink corn, unapproved
for human consumption, in the food supply. He has helped inform the public
and the food industry about the irresponsible practice of "biopharming"(www.foe.org/biopharm), and has written and lectured on many aspects of GM
crops and their regulation. Freese has a B.A. in chemistry from Grinnell
College.
[3] In the U.S. regulatory system, the EPA, not the FDA, has primary
responsibility for GM plants that produce insecticides.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
David Schubert (co-author) in California: +01 858-453-4100 ext. 1528; e-mail:
schubert@salk.edu
William Freese (co-author) in Washington, DC: +01 301-985-3011; e-mail:
billfreese@prodigy.net
Geert Ritsema, Friends of the Earth Europe, Brussels (Belgium),
+31-6-29005908; e-mail: geert.ritsema@foeeurope.org
Juan Lopez, Friends of the Earth International, London (UK), +39-333-1498049;
e-mail: juan.lopez@foeeurope.org
Clare Oxborrow, Friends of the Earth in London (UK), +44-20-75661716; e-mail:
media@foe.co.uk
Key Findings
"Safety Testing and Regulation of Genetically Engineered Foods"By William Freese & David Schubert
Deficiencies in U.S. government regulation:
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require testing of GM
foods, but rather has a "voluntary consultation"process. Companies that
voluntarily consult with the FDA sometimes fail to respond to FDA requests
for additional information. FDA reviews "summary data,"not full studies,
making a critical review impossible. FDA does not approve GM crops as safe;
instead, the GM crop developer is made responsible for the safety of its
product.
* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates
insecticide-producing GM plants. EPA often fails to collect data for review
of potential human health impacts and accepts substandard testing by biotech
companies. EPA has ignored evidence from independent researchers that
conflicts with company-provided information. EPA raises the maximum
permissible levels of herbicide residues on crops to facilitate introduction
of herbicide-tolerant GM crops.
* The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has
not established rigorous rules to prevent GM crops from contaminating
conventional crops, even when the contamination could lead to creation of
difficult to control "superweeds."USDA permits cultivation of GM
pharmaceutical crops, despite two contamination incidents necessitating
destruction of large quantities of corn and soybeans. The USDA does not
test neighboring fields for GM contamination or require companies to supply
test kits.
Flaws in biotech company testing practices:
* The use of surrogate GM proteins for testing rather than the GM
plant-produced proteins that people actually consume * The failure of
companies to test for most possible unintended effects of the unpredictable
genetic engineering process; in particular, there is a lack of long-term
animal feeding studies
* The tendency of companies to manipulate test
conditions to get the desired results, facilitated by the failure of
regulatory agencies to establish test protocols
Case study of GM corn:
* Evidence that insecticide-producing GM corn may cause food allergies has
been ignored by the EPA
* Increased lignin levels in some GM corn varieties
was not detected before commercial sale and has still not been explained
(lignin is the woody substance in stalks)
* FDA has fundamentally flawed
molecular information on Monsanto's MON810 corn, reflecting the weakness of
its voluntary consultation process
Outline of science-based testing scheme:
* Long-term animal feeding trials with the whole GE crop to test for
carcinogenic, reproductive and other adverse effects * Test for potential of
GM crop compounds to cause mutations
* Test for full range of unintended effects with metabolic profiling
* Test for allergenic potential according to strict, internationally accepted
protocol
15 November 2004
We need to clear the air: the Irish ENGO scene
The Irish Times, 15 November 2004. By Iva Pocock. Why is it so hard to mobilise people to lobby the Government on environmental issues of national importance, asks Iva Pocock.
When former minister for finance, Charlie McCreevy, announced shortly before he headed off to Brussels this autumn that the Government's plan to introduce a carbon tax was being axed, he was widely condemned.
Opposition parties decried his decision - failing to tackle escalating greenhouse gas emissions would ultimately cost Irish taxpayers hundreds of millions of euro by way of a massive penalty for not meeting Kyoto targets, they said. Academics expressed disappointment - ESRI economist John Fitzgerald said abandoning the tax left Ireland with "no other instrument"for meeting these targets - and environmentalists threw up their hands in despair saying the about-turn effectively consigned our National Climate Change Strategy to the dustbin.
But nobody took to the streets.
Not a single protester marched up Merrion Street to the Department of Finance and nobody stood outside the Custom House, then home to Martin Cullen, then minister for the environment, co-responsible for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
So why couldn't Ireland's environmental organisations muster a protest against such a major U-turn in public policy? What's going on with the environmental movement?
It's debatable whether there is a such a movement at all, says Sadhbh O'Neill, a former Green Party councillor and co-ordinator for An Taisce.
"There's a definite sector in terms of there being some 20 or 30 groups, some local, some national. They speak out for the environment, but is it a movement?"The lack of protest over McCreevy's axing of the carbon tax wouldn't have happened if "there was a strong environmental sector", she says. "They'd have hounded him. The general inertia over Kyoto and the fact that the public are happy to be ripped off is a symptom of the malaise in the sector."
Former editor of Earthwatch magazine Lothar Luken, who has been involved in environmental campaigning for over 30 years - first in anti-nuclear work in his native Germany, then in Bantry, Co Cork, where he has lived for 25 years - believes there is no such movement in Ireland.
"It's like a fish that has no water to swim in. You particularly see that if you look at the treatment of An Taisce."
Other environmentalists, such as An Taisce president Éanna Ní Lamhna, say there is a movement but that it "does not have the same clout about it"as, say, the environmental movement in Germany.
Why? "Generally among Irish people it's to do with our history,"she says. "There were no environmental studies of any description taught at school until 1971."Our acceptance of the "Bord Fáilte image"of Ireland as a clean and green island with no problems is another factor, she says.
That the Irish environmental lobby has "a long way to go"fits into "a pathway which is almost a textbook situation whereby countries don't tend . . . to have environmental problems as long as they haven't developed economically,"says Pat Finnegan of Grian (Greenhouse Ireland Action Network), a lobby group focused on climate change.
"There's always a lag in terms of environmental effects becoming visible and then there's a lag again until you have the sort of public appreciation of those effects. Those are the two stages you need before you get the public behind the environmental agenda."O'Neill reckons our environmental malaise is due to the fact that we didn't go through the kind of heavy industrial development found in other northern European countries.
The strong community-based response to issues such as building roads through archaeologically-unique landscapes and much larger than predicted traffic levels, and to incinerators and super-dumps is "a strength of the environmental movement here compared to other countries,"says David Healy, Green Party councillor for Fingal and a member of Friends of the Irish Environment, the group that tracks implementation of EU environmental directives here.
The difficulty is in getting such campaigners to protect the national interest, says O'Neill. "People will all be up in arms and an action group will get set up in 30 minutes, expecting environmental organisations to get involved but the solidarity will be one-way."In other words, local campaigners often don't seem to channel their concerns - although they may not be mere not-in-my-back-yard (NIMBY) concerns - into support for organisations that lobby on national policy.
"The difficulty is in gaining membership in order to gather a critical mass,"she says.
One organisation that hopes to build a mutually constructive relationship between the many local environmental action groups and itself, is the newly relaunched Friends of the Earth Ireland.
"Most of the groups don't have the resources to create strategies, joined-up thinking, linkages between economic, political and environmental outcomes,"said director Mark Deary at the organisation's launch last month. "We would hope to allow these local groups to continue to campaign, but in the context of a whole series of arguments. That we can help them understand that this is not NIMBY-ism but the outcome of a bad political decision and that there is an organisation in Ireland that is generating these ideas."The re-establishment of an international environmental organisation in Ireland has boosted morale amongst the sector.
The absence in the Republic over the last few years of one of the so-called "big three"international organisations - Friends of the Earth (FoE, whose former Irish association, Earthwatch, had little clout prior to its closure through bankruptcy last year), Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund - "is a large part of why we are having so many environmental problems,"says Finnegan. "If Friends of the Earth can come along and get the respect the issues require, that'll be good."
Although Mary Kelly, director-general of the Environmental Protection Agency, does not agree with FoE's declaration of Ireland as the "dirty man of Europe", she welcomes its establishment. "Friends of the Earth have a good reputation internationally and . . . are known for producing good policy papers so I think it'll be a good resource for Ireland."One obstacle the new organisation faces is its close ties to the Green Party - two directors, Mark Deary and Malcolm Noonan, are Green Party councillors.
"I think it has been one of the weaknesses of the environmental movement in Ireland that it has tended to identify itself too closely with just one party,"said Eamon Gilmore TD, Labour's environment spokesman, at the FoE launch. "If any movement is to be successful it has to be able to appeal to a wider spectrum of political opinion than one political party."
Ciaran Cuffe TD, the Green Party's environment spokesman, agrees.
"I think it's really important for an NGO to be as ecumenical as possible. In every political party there are people who are committed to the environment, and I hope that that broad political spread is represented in the board of FoE in the future."
Given the uphill struggle other environmental organisations have experienced, FoE has its work cut out. However, there are signs that the environmental message is beginning to be heard.
"I think the policy makers are becoming more aware that they are facing real problems and that we are not talking nonsense,"says Healy. This may be partly because the NGOs are now working more closely together than ever before - in 2001, Irish NGOs formed a joint secretariat in order to administer core funding from the Department of the Environment, albeit nine years after such a move in Germany.
In 2004, the 20 or so member groups received € 245,000 to cover their core costs from the department because it "acknowledges the positive and pro-active approach NGOs make to policy-making and to public debate,"says a spokesman. Some 20,000 of this is to support submissions on "consultation calls"on policy development by the department and the EPA. Last year, environmental NGOs responded to 45 consultation calls, from the Department of the Environment, the EPA and other departments and authorities.
"We're doing amazing things with very little resources. All the submissions NGOs made to policy last year are substantial,"says Healy. "Compared to consultancy rates this is very, very good value."
So while nobody may be protesting on the streets over the failure to put the environment at the core of policy-making, environmentalists are intent on making their voices heard.
12 November 2004
Monsanto lower after NAFTA report on modified corn
NEW YORK (AFX) - Monsanto Co.'s stock felt slight selling pressure Wednesday after a NAFTA commission's report concluded that the accidental spread of genetically modified corn to Mexico from the U.S. should be limited or stopped. The stock traded down 22 cents at $42.24. St. Louis-based Monsanto produces genetically modified corn and other plants as well as Roundup, a widely used herbicide. Press reports Wednesday said the report, written by a group of geneticists convened under NAFTA, didn't accept the U.S. view that modified corn in essence is not different from conventionally bred corn hybrids. Panel members said the spread of genetically modified corn to Mexico was unacceptable because the country's government never approved the hybrids. Mexican farmers asked NAFTA to undertake the study after researchers concluded genetically modified corn accidentally spread to Mexico from the U.S. through cross-pollination. Scientists have genetically modified corn and other plants to protect them against diseases and pests, but most commercially available genetically modified plants are modified to allow them to withstand greater applications of pesticides. This story was supplied by CBSMarketWatch. For further information see www.cbsmarketwatch.com.
11 November 2004
Sinn FÈin warning over GM foods policy
Online.ie. Tuesday, November 9, 2004. The European Commission is intent on allowing genetically-modified foods to be grown in Ireland, it was claimed today.
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun said the body had moved to ensure all EU member states followed a common policy on GM foods.
She claimed the Commission said that Ireland would not be able to ban GM crops within its borders.
The news comes just two weeks after the European Commission cleared the path for the import of genetically-modified maize into the EU for public consumption.
"The EU Commission is intent on allowing GM foods to be grown in EU member states,"Ms de Brun said.
"The European Commission has already ratified the import of GM foods into the EU for public consumption. The citizens of EU member states are being subjected to a sustained campaign by the European Commission and Monsanto for a move towards the growing of crops in Ireland - north and south.
"The effects of GM foods on the general public are still unclear."
Ms de Brun said Irish consumers are genuinely concerned about the introduction of GM maize after environmental groups like Friends of the Earth argued its introduction has not been met with stringent long-term testing.
"Sinn Féin is strongly opposed to the introduction of genetically-modified foods and we will continue to actively campaign for Ireland to be declared a GM-free zone at local, national and EU level,"she said.
Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesman Martin Ferris also added his voice to the fight and pointed out that Sinn Féin was the only party campaigning on an All-Ireland basis for GM-free status.
"We intend to pursue this through legislation in the Dáil and our councillors throughout Ireland will be placing motions in support of this to their respective local authorities,"he added.
6 November 2004
Brussels says no member state can prohibit GM crops
Irish Independent, 6 November 2004. By Aideen Sheehan, Agriculture Correspondent.
IRELAND will not be able to ban growing genetically modified (GM) crops within its boundaries, the EU Commission has warned.
Macra na Feirme President Thomas Honner said it had been made clear to them in Brussels that no member state could ban GM crops and as certain crops had now been approved for use, they could be grown anywhere in the EU.
EU Commission official Gijs Berends, with responsibility for GM foods, made it clear that member states could not decide to prohibit the growing of commission-approved products.
"The only set of circumstances in which the Irish government could block the growing of GM products was if Ireland uncovered new scientific evidence questioning the products' safety and even this would be temporary until the Commission examined any such evidence,"said Mr Honner.
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said they expected guidelines for GM crops being prepared by an inter-departmental agency would be ready soon.
4 November 2004
Activists Take Fire at CGIAR
Inter Press Service, 02.11.04. By
Diego Cevallos MEXICO CITY, Nov 2 (IPS) - Environmentalists
and farm activists in Mexico are criticising the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) for allegedly distancing itself from small farmers
and pandering to transnational biotech corporations that...
_______________________
Jose Bove arrested
GM-free Cymru, 4 November 2004. On July 25th 2004, 1,500 activists led by José Bové and members of Confederation Paysanne Europe (CPE), removed a trial crop of GM maize at
Levignac, near Toulouse, France. On 14th August, CPE and 160 farmers and
activists removed another GM maize crop. On 5th September, 600 farmers and
activists, including women and children were teargassed by gendarmes and
helicopters as they attempted to decontaminate another field in the village
of Solomiac in the Gers region. Nine campaigners, including José Bové, are due to appear in court on November 8th and yet more people at a later date. CPE are calling on farmers,
campaigners and food organisations worldwide to send statements of support by
6th November. A petion is being circulated which states "We unite behind the actions of French farmers, including Confederation
Paysanne Europe, in support of the destruction of GM crops this summer to
safeguard our environmental and farming futures."
_______________________
3 November 2004
Green coalition lobbies for NI environmental protection agency
Irish News, 3 November 2004.
A host of green groups will this morning launch the latest bid to bring Northern Ireland's environmental protection laws into line with Republic and Britain. Representatives from the Coalition for Environmental Protection, which includes Friends of the Earth, the National Trust and seven other green lobby groups, are set to press NIO environment minister Angela Smith to create of an environmental protection agency. Northern Ireland remains to the only part of Britain and Ireland that has no independent environmental regulator. The role of safeguarding the north's natural heritage currently falls on the Environmental & Heritage Service - an executive agency within the Department of the Environment. However, recent research conducted by the green coalition highlighted a general lack of faith in the government agency's role as an environmental watchdog. "Our consultation revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the protection afforded to our environment and majority support for the creation of an independent environmental protection agency,"coalition spokes-man Aidan Lonegran said. He said the green groups would be showing Ms Smith the research findings and calling for a review of environmental governance. Friends of the Earth director John Woods said that the coalition's research had painted a "grim picture"and that environmental protection in the north needs to be modernised.
1 November 2004
Challenges planted in the rice industry
www.chinaview.cn Beijing, Oct. 29 2004.
(Xinhuanet) -- Bai Shunhua is grinning with delight when he
catches a fish from the muddy water in the paddy field. The
rice has just been harvested, leaving a swath of stalks in
the water-logged field. The water is draining away slowly through an opening in the mud walls enclosing the terraced paddy field, in which Bai and his family are wading about bare-footed as they try to catch fish they have bred. Bai said they have caught some 50 kilograms of fish per mu (one 15th of a hectare) from the field. "We'll leave some for ourselves to eat and sell the rest in the nearby market,"Bai said, standing knee deep in the mud and water and holding a circular net of fish in the scorching midday sun...
_______________________
29 October 2004
EU authorises Monsanto GMO maize for
import
Reuters News Service / Planet Ark, 28.10.04. By Jeremy Smith. Brussels - The European Union authorised imports of
a genetically modified (GMO) maize made by world biotech
pioneer Monsanto this
week, its second approval since lifting a five-year ban on
new GMOs, officials said. "It is adopted, there were no problems,"an official at the European Commision, the EU's executive arm, told Reuters. The Commission used a legal default procedure that kicks in after months of deadlock between EU governments to issue an approval for a Roundup Ready maize type known as NK603.
The maize has been modified to resist the herbicide glyphosate to allow farmers to manage weeds better. When imported, it will be used to make products such as starch, oil, maize gluten feed and maize meal, and for use in animal feed.
Tuesday's approval is the EU's second after the 25-nation bloc restarted new GMO authorisations in mid-May and put an end to a longstanding moratorium on new biotech imports that had angered major trading partners such as the United States. That happened when the Commission cleared the sale of a tinned biotech sweet maize known as Bt-11, made by Swiss firm Syngenta (SYNN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) , using its own powers to permit imports.
Under the EU's complex decision-making process, if EU member states fail to agree after three months at ministerial level on allowing a new GMO into the bloc, then the Commission may rubberstamp an authorisation.
GREENS ANGRY
European consumers remain largely hostile to biotech foods with opposition rated at more than 70 percent. Supermarkets and food manufacturers have responded to this and still tend to avoid stocking produce that contains GMOs.
Green groups were angered by the decision, made by the current EU executive in its last week in office.
"This is a shameful final act by the outgoing European Commission,"said Geert Ritsema, GMO campaigner at environmental lobby group Friends of the Earth Europe, in a statement.
"Despite scientific disagreements over its safety and huge public rejection the Commission decided instead to put the interests of corporate America before the safety of Europeans."
Diplomats say the Commission may well open the door to more GMO imports over the next 12 months despite deep divisions among the EU's 25 member states over the whole issue of biotechnology.
The EU's quirky process for taking decisions means the rifts among national governments make it easy for the Commission to apply the rubber stamp to GMO applications, they say.
27 October 2004
New GM symbol for labels under consideration
Irish Independent October 26, 2004. A special symbol to be used in the labelling of GM products is being explored by the Department of Agriculture's
consumer liaison panel. Marian Finucane, chairperson of the
consumer liaison panel, said the panel considers effective...
Bioengineered crops on ballot in 3 counties
San Francisco Chronicle, USA, 24.10.04. By Greg Lucas. Following
Mendocino County's lead in the March primary, activists in
three counties have placed bans on the growing of
genetically modified crops on the November ballot. Proposed...
_______________________
22 October 2004
GE corn exports to Mexico risk
species
Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand, 19 October 2004. Envionmental lobby
group Greenpeace today released a report that recommends
that all US maize entering Mexico should be milled upon
entry, to prevent harm to the native species from which the
entire world's corn crops have been bred. The report was...
_______________________
India, China turn to GM
crops in battle to feed billions
ABC Online, Australia, 18.10.04. Asian giants India and
China are accelerating investment in biotechnology research
to fight the odds in agriculture and feed their teeming
millions. Scientists at a workshop in one of India's
biggest gene research centres say China and India account...
_______________________
18 October 2004
Brazil's president OKs genetically modified soy
USA Today, 10/16/2004. By Alan
Clendenning, Associated Press SAO PAULO, Brazil. Brazil's
president issued a controversial executive order allowing
farmers to plant genetically modified soybeans, just as the
planting season in the world's second-largest soy producer...
_______________________
17 October 2004
Ulster bees threatened by varroa mite
Belfast Telegraph, 16 October 2004. Northern Ireland's bees are under threat from the Varroa Destructor mite. But help is on the way for hundreds of apiarists across the province. World authority on Varroa, Professor Dewy Carron flies into the province next week to address a major conference organised by the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers. "The Varroa Destructor is a real pest,"said Institute chairman Michael Young. "No country in the world is safe from this predator. It arrived in Ireland a few years ago and the last place free of the mite was Hillsborough. That was until a few weeks ago when it was found in hives there. It is perfect timing having Professor Carron coming to our conference. He is a world authority on this predator and we are hoping for some hints on how to deal with it. The conference, in Hillsborough Courthouse on October 23 will also feature Rashad Moemin of Queen's University and Jim Loughrey of Roe Valley Beekeepers Association.
14 October 2004
New radioactivity limit could sink shellfish
NewScientist.com news service. 12 October 04. By Rob Edwards.
Thousands of tonnes of British shellfish currently eaten in Europe could be banned under new international safety limits for radioactivity in food, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned.
Lobsters, cockles and scallops from the north west of England and the south west of Scotland are so contaminated with plutonium from the Sellafield nuclear complex in Cumbria that they will breach limits due to be introduced by the United Nations in 2005.
Although the new limits are welcomed by radiation experts, they are regarded as "not proportionate to the actual risk"by the FSA. And they have angered the multi-million pound shellfishing industry.
Douglas Macleod, chairman of the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, said that limits should only be set on the basis of robust science backed by credible risk assessments. "Why should the industry be unnecessarily crucified if there is no real risk?"he asked.
Cancer risk
The UN's Codex Alimentarius Commission - which brings together the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organisation - is proposing a safety limit for plutonium in food of one becquerel per kilogram. The aim is to reduce the long-term risk of getting cancer from eating these foods to below one in a million.
The proposal takes into account emerging scientific uncertainties about the health risks of small amounts of plutonium inside the body and is in line with radiation safety limits recommended by other regulatory authorities internationally, in the US and in the UK.
The proposed limit seems "reasonable"to Ian Jackson, a radiation consultant from Cheshire, England. He pointed out that the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield had discharged more plutonium into the sea than those in France and Japan.
Winkles picked
Concentrations of plutonium and related isotopes in all the shellfish sampled by the FSA between the Ribble estuary at Preston and Kirkcudbright on the North Solway coast in 2002 exceeded 1Bq/kg. Winkles from St Bees, next to Sellafield, contained 66 Bq/kg.
The area includes one of Europe's biggest cockle fisheries - Morecambe Bay - which is expected to produce up to 10,000 tonnes in 2004. Most of the shellfish harvested from the region are exported to Spain, France and the Netherlands.
The new safety limits would have a major economic impact, according to Jim Andrew, from the north west England Sea Fisheries Committee, a regulatory authority. "But if there is a risk to public health, that has got to come first,"he said.
9 October 2004
Toxin build-up is
highest in young: study finds more chemicals in children
than adults
Friday October 8, 2004 The Guardian. Paul Brown, environment correspondent. Children
as young as nine have more manufactured chemicals in their
blood than their grandparents and these substances are
suspected of disrupting development and hormones, according to tests on seven volunteer families across the country.
_______________________
Farmer admits GM trial role
Age, Australia, October 8, 2004. By
Melissa Marino Regional Affairs Reporter. A Horsham farmer has identified himself as being
involved in secret Bayer CropScience genetically modified...
_______________________
7 October 2004
Europe is
united: no bioengineered food
International Herald Tribune, Wednesday, October 06, 2004 GENEVA. By Elisabeth Rosenthal/IHT IHT. Some are smokers. Some drink too much. Some admit they love red meat. But
virtually all shoppers here at the Migros Supermarket on the
bustling Rue des Paquis are united in avoiding a risk they regard as unacceptable: genetically modified food.
That is easy to do here in Switzerland, as in the rest of Europe, where food containing such ingredients must be labeled by law. Many large retailers, like Migros, have essentially stopped stocking the products, regarding them as bad for public image.
_______________________
2 October 2004
Greenpeace 6-point GMO plan
The Nation (Thailand) October 1, 2004. The Agriculture Ministry's measures to curb the spread
of genetically modified (GM) papayas in Khon Kaen could
trigger more 'genetic pollution', Greenpeace Southeast Asia
warned yesterday at a press conference. The GM papaya trees...
1 October 2004
The Travels of a Bioengineered Gene
The New York Times, 30 September 2004. Editorial. A study showing that genes from a type of genetically engineered grass migrated much farther than anyone had thought possible virtually demands a careful reassessment of how such plants are regulated. We must ensure that the genes from genetically engineered plants do not escape into the wild and wreak havoc in natural ecosystems.
The grass, a creeping bentgrass developed by Monsanto and Scotts, has been modified genetically so it can tolerate Roundup herbicide, which is made by Monsanto. Golf course owners who use creeping bentgrass on their greens and fairways could adopt the bioengineered version, then spray Roundup to kill weeds without killing the grass.
There is no evidence yet that any of the genetically engineered crops already in wide use in this country, like modified corn, soybeans and cotton, have caused any significant environmental harm. It is also true that the bentgrass at issue has characteristics that could make it more difficult to control than most crop plants. It is a perennial that does not have to be planted every year, its pollen is small and light and thus easily carried by the wind, and it has a dozen or so wild relatives that it can cross-pollinate.
For all these reasons, the Agriculture Department, which must decide whether to allow the genetically engineered grass to be marketed, is conducting a full-scale environmental impact assessment. This is the first time it has subjected a genetically engineered plant to such rigorous scrutiny. The concern is that the herbicide-resistance genes may spread to relatives in the wild, thus complicating the task of controlling vegetation with Roundup herbicides in many landscapes.
Bentgrass hardly ranks with global warming, nuclear waste or air and water pollution as a critical environmental problem. But the study raises broader questions about regulating biotechnology.
When assessing the likelihood that genes will spread from bioengineered plants, scientists typically study small test plots and look for the effects nearby. Scotts initially estimated that the pollen would travel only about 1,000 feet. But when Environmental Protection Agency scientists studied gene dispersal from some 400 acres of genetically modified grass, they found that some genes reached sentinel plants of the same species as far as 13 miles away and wild relatives almost 9 miles away. Whatever they decide about bentgrass, regulators will need to reassess whether they are looking hard enough and far enough for the potential impacts of genetically modified plants.
Coughlan outlines challenges facing farmers
The Irish Times, 1 October 2004.
The new Minister for Agriculture and Food, Ms Coughlan, identified sustainability as the single most important issue in agriculture when she held her first press conference at the National Ploughing Championships in Carlow yesterday.
Ms Coughlan said agriculture was in the process of change over recent years, especially in the areas of food quality and consumer affairs. She said she had kept up with the changes, had been very involved in agriculture since 1987 and had represented an agricultural constituency for many years.
"It's not something I was not accustomed to, and people like myself have been involved in plenty of committees. I expected to stay where I was, and was a bit surprised when I was moved,"she added.
She had attended the ploughing championships two years ago to announce improvements in the Farm Assist scheme and she would continue to urge smaller farmers to apply for the scheme.
She said sustainability was a vital issue facing agriculture - how to keep farmers on the land and interest young people in staying on the land.
"The word at the end of the day is 'sustainability'. It's about how you can address the issue of young people who are not particularly interested in farming and at the same time the necessity to support one of the most important industries we have in this country,"she said.
Ms Coughlan said she would like to see a balance between larger and small farms, and support for those with income difficulties.
"I know small farms better than the larger farms . . . To those who say small farms are not economic and it is silly to support them, I totally disagree because there are other issues such as the quality of life and rural life generally, and if that means we have part-time farming, I would be all for it,"she said.
She did not think it was right that if a small farm was not economically viable the farmer would have to get out and she wanted small enterprises supported through REPS (Rural Environment Protection Schemes).
"At the same time we have to deal with the challenge of huge competition, high quality standards and the necessity for invention, investment in new product, and all of these have an economic aspect to them, but I also think you have to have a balance,"she said.
Asked about the high price of Irish food, Ms Coughlan said the issue of consumer affairs was a matter for another ministry, but as a woman she was concerned about the issue of price and quality.
She said the farming organisations had to change to produce high-quality products, and it was the sale and marketing of that produce which was extremely important.
She said she did not see farmers cutting back production after decoupling was introduced and hoped it would not happen.
"I feel we have had a lot of challenges with European restrictions which were uncomfortable for many farmers.
"But the Government is very aware of any impact these will have, and the agri industry is very strong in my view and a great employer, and anything that would upset or undermine it is something we would have to address,"she said.
Ms Anna May McHugh said the 187,00 attendance at the championships was the highest on record. The traffic problems had eased on the second day, and the event had run very smoothly.
The event at Grangeford, near Tullow, Co Carlow, cost over §1.8 million, and the site will be the venue for the world championships in 2006.
Coughlan 'must shift focus onto food'
Irish Independent, 1 October 2004. By Grainne Cunningham
NEW Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, was challenged yesterday to do more to support the small creative food producers who lure tourists to Ireland with their delicious produce.
Former chief of the Food Safety Authority, Patrick Wall, said the policy makers needed to do more than repeat the mantra 'Ireland, the food island' if they wanted the country to reap the rewards from artisan producers.
Launching John and Sally McKenna's new Bridgestone Irish Food Guide, Dr Wall said these small, local producers were the "haute couture"of our food industry and could put the country "up in lights"internationally.
Dr Wall said it would be interesting to see what approach the new minister took.
"Ireland can't compete with countries with economies of scale, cheap labour and no environmental protection,"he said, emphasising the need for premium products.
And John McKenna called on the minister to mandate county councils to support farmers' markets and to protect and promote artisan producers.
In the new guide on all that is good to eat in Ireland, some counties are poorly represented, he said, adding that much work needed to be done. Counties such as Offaly Longford and Roscommon have slim pickings for foodies, the guide reveals.
The McKennas' guide includes shops, restaurants and markets from all 32 counties. "The book is unified by creative people whether they have a company which stocks kitchens or they smoke fish,"Mr McKenna said.
The Dublin listings offer guidance on where to eat the best salami or sushi as well as recommendations for take-home food for the 'can't cook, too tired' and 'can't cook, never tried' brigades.
In between, the guide provides a taste of what to expect from farmers' markets, delis and other food outlets as well as information on gourmet dining to simple but well-done eateries,
The book is designed for your pocket or glove compartment so the next time you are stranded in some strange Irish town, at least you will know where to eat.
29 September 2004
Call to push organic farming as 70pc produce imported
Irish Independent, 29 September 2004. By Aideen Sheehan. Farmers who want to switch to organic farming must be helped because over 70pc of organic food eaten in Ireland is currently imported, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said yesterday.
Ireland lags way behind most European countries in producing organic food, which accounts for less than 1pc of all farmland compared with 11pc in countries such as Austria, Mr Sargent said at the Ploughing Championships.
"To address this imbalance, the Government needs to provide practical aid to the organic farming industry in the form of a major marketing drive,"he said. He called for an advisory board to give information to farmers switching to organic farming methods.
Recent reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy presented a real opportunity to increase the amount of organically-farmed land, Mr Sargent said.
Ireland should also be declared a genetically modified (GM) free zone as GM crops had been less profitable than conventional farm produce and the Irish public remained opposed to GM products, he said.
Meanwhile farmers' markets are to be encouraged through a new Small Food Business plan under the LEADER programme aimed at boosting the sector.
Community and Rural Affairs Minister Eamon O'Cuiv said there were complicated issues facing this sector, but golden opportunities existed for rural communities.
Best practice guidelines are to be drawn up for markets. Plan Coordinator Isobel Fletcher has been charged with researching the sector and deloping proposals for a support package for small food businesses to include technical support and training.
Taoiseach rules out changes in farming service
The Irish Times, 29 September 2004. By Sean Mac Connell. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday ruled out any major structural change at the Department of Agriculture, as has happened in other European countries where mainstream farm production has been demoted and rural development and other aspects of the ministry promoted.
Agriculture was still very important in Ireland, Mr Ahern told journalists when he officially opened the National Ploughing Championships yesterday.
More than 60,000 attended the opening day, the largest-ever first-day attendance at the championships which are being held at Grangeford, between Tullow and Carlow town.
Accompanied by the outgoing Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, who was on his last official outing as Minister, Mr Ahern refused to give any inkling about who was likely to be the new minister, but did say the reshuffle would reflect the needs of the country.
Paying tribute to Mr Walsh, the Taoiseach said the Department of Agriculture would need to take account of the huge consumer interest that was part of the whole agri-business, and that was where the future lay.
When it was put to him that many other European countries had taken the word "agriculture"out of the title of their departments, the Taoiseach said he did not agree with that point of view.
"Agriculture is still a very important industry,"he said.
Earlier the Taoiseach had toured the main farm organisation stands at the grounds before paying a visit to the Fianna Fáil tent.
He also visited the ploughing site and spoke to some of the competitors.
While on site he also met the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, and the Minister of State at his own Department, Mr Tom Parlon.
Also present yesterday was the leader of Fine Gael, Mr Enda Kenny, who paid tribute to Mr Walsh.
Mr Kenny said that within the next few weeks he would be naming new spokespeople, not because of the Government reshuffle but because of his party's recent successes.
He said the election of Mr Simon Coveney and Mr Gay Mitchell to the European Parliament, and the selection of Mr John Bruton as EU ambassador in the US, had meant that he would have to name new people and he would be doing so, but not immediately.
The Green Party launched an attack on Government farming policy at the championships and criticised the possibility that GM crops would be grown in the State.
Mr Trevor Sargent, the party leader, said he was in the process of meeting the farm organisations in an attempt to have Ireland made a GM-free zone, and to date the Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers' Association had committed itself to the idea.
He called on the Government to provide real support and incentives to Irish farmers who wanted to switch to organic means of production, which currently represented less than 1 per cent of farmed land in Ireland.
He said that as a consequence there was a real demand for organic produce, with 70 per cent of the €37 million market here having to be imported.
"To address this imbalance the Government needs to provide practical aid to the organic farming industry in the form of a major marketing drive,"he said.
Mr Sargent added that an advisory board should be established to give practical information and advice to farmers as they changed to organic methods of farming.
There were the normal traffic delays on the site, which most people found was particularly suitable for the event, but no serious traffic jams yesterday, except on the Carlow side of the site, where there were some delays in the morning and again as people left.
Monsanto prods South
American nations on soy royalties
Planet Ark, 28.09.2004. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Monsanto Co., a company
that has pioneered the development of bioengineered crops,
is pushing hard to recover millions of dollars in lost
revenue in three South American countries where farmers have sown its wonder seeds without paying royalties.
But, despite a determined lobbying drive in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay - the three top soybean exporters after the United States - these nations are unlikely to act quickly enough to satisfy the St. Louis-based agricultural giant, which would like reforms in place now, with the 2004/2005 planting season just beginning...
_______________________
Brazil: Lula Between Greens and
Farmers on GMC
Brazzil.com, Brazil, 28 September 2004. Movements
grounded in civil society raised their voices last week
against the possibility of a new provisional executive
decree (Medida ProvisÛria - MP) authorizing the cultivation
and commercialization of transgenic products in Brazil.
Last September 22, members of Greenpeace held a protest demonstration in front of the Planalto Palace, in BrasÌlia, to deter publication of the measure.
Brazilian groups belonging to social movements also sent a letter last week to President Luiz In·cio Lula da Silva criticizing the authorizing of genetically modified crops, also known as GMC, without any prior study of environmental impact or health risks to consumers...
_______________________
28 September 2004
GMO Crops: A Cautionary Tale
The Nation (Thailand) September 27, 2004. The Indonesian
experiment with genetically modified cotton failed, but
valuable lessons can be gleaned. The Thai Cabinet recently
rejected a proposal by the Agriculture Ministry ' which
carried the full support of Prime Minister Thaksin...
_______________________
Can Biotech Crops Be Good
Neighbors?
The New York Times September 26, 2004. By Andrew Pollack. Toivo Lahti grows papaya on
the Big Island of Hawaii. Over the last few years, he
watched other growers start planting trees that were...
_______________________
Farming's future
The Irish Times, 28 September 2004. Some 150,000 people are expected to visit the National Ploughing Championships in Grangeford, Tullow, Co Carlow this week where they will see the biggest agricultural show in Europe and one of the world's most important ploughing contests. Most of them will be farming families on leave at the end of the season. The size of the show and sheer range of the hundreds of exhibitors and trade stands show they pack a large commercial punch despite gloomy talk about the future of farming and yesterday's protests outside meat factories over prices.
It is a time of serious transition in Irish agriculture. Next year will see the introduction of the first single payments from the EU to tens of thousands of farmers, following the decision to decouple farm subsidies from production. The average payment will be §11,000; but it is a deceptive figure since the 30,000 or so full-time commercial farmers will receive more than this, while many part-time ones will get much less.
Of the 130,000 farmers figuring in national statistics 80,000 have off-farm jobs, have spouses working or are receiving social welfare. Overall the farm population has dropped from 14 per cent of the national workforce to 5 per cent over the last 10 years. Only 6 per cent of those living in country areas rely solely on agriculture for their incomes. But agriculture supports substantial industries with large workforces and exports elsewhere in the economy.
Such figures tell a story of undoubted social and agricultural success as much as they indicate an uncertain future for farming in Ireland. Maintaining such a large non-farming population in rural areas is a substantial social policy achievement. It can be sustained over the next generation for many families by the annual EU cheques, which require that the land be kept in good agricultural and environmental order. There are more and more outlets for imaginative off-farm or farm-related enterprises among the part-time population if the opportunities are taken up and similar openings for dynamic farmers as demographic change rationalises ownership.
Whether they will be taken up effectively is as uncertain as the likely impact of decoupling. Much will depend on constructive farm leadership. Too often it is negative and reactive rather than forward looking, whether on environmental protection, world trade talks, CAP financing or urban access to the countryside.
A more constructive and productive approach would be to communicate the opportunities facing agriculture and rural Ireland and how they relate to the wider Irish community.
Frankenfish: Just another monster?
Canadian Geographic Magazine. 27 September 2004. By Dan Blouin. Genetic technology has entered aquaculture, but not many are catching the .wave
Transgenic salmon may appear to be the best thing since tartar sauce for the
business of aquaculture, but so far it seems fish farmers and consumers
alike just aren't taking the bait.
At a 30 percent growth rate faster than wild salmon, "frankenfish"are bigger and stronger at a younger age, raising the question as to
whether or not non-GM fish would even have a chance in the wild.
Often dubbed "Frankenfish,"transgenic salmon have had DNA segments spliced
into their cells - for instance, genes coded for anti-freezing proteins or
growth hormones. Absorbed by the fish's eggs, these stowaway genes enable
the salmon to grow faster and to survive in colder water. But the resulting
transgenic fish haven't been approved as food by Health Canada or the FDA.
Still, there are those in the industry who think transgenics may be the
answer to recent salmon farming woes. Garth Fletcher, president of Aqua
Bounty Canada, is one of them; he has been breeding transgenics for years,
making sure the new genes are stable through multiple generations. But
Fletcher's major concern with transgenics is food safety.
"We're talking about making sure there's no nutritional difference between
these fish and what's available out on the market. We look at a nutritional
profile of fatty acids, proteins, lipids and the allergenicity,"Fletcher
says.
Others worry that transgenic salmon could escape from farms and wipe out
wild populations - the "Trojan gene"hypothesis.
Fred Whoriskey, vice-president of research and environment for the Atlantic
Salmon Federation, says current literature has alleviated at least one
concern about transgenic fish. "It doesn't look like they'll be monsters; we
won't have to worry about seven- to nine-foot salmon swimming upriver and
eating someone's kid,"he says with a laugh.
But he points out that there's a limit to what you can do with transgenes.
"You can implant a wonderful gene that'll grow 30 percent faster, but it
doesn't exceed the natural capacities for wild fish populations,"Whoriskey
says.
Even so, being bigger at a younger age could give transgenics an edge in the
wild. Mark Abrahams, a professor of zoology at the University of Manitoba,
has studied the behaviour of transgenic salmon in response to natural
predators. He found the larger, transgenic fish would feed longer when near
predators than their smaller, natural cousins. And more food generally means
stronger fish. But Abrahams says it's difficult to discover if transgenic
fish would suffer higher mortality for their bold behaviour.
"The problem is, if you're working on transgenic animals, you're working
under very strict guidelines and conditions. The predators you bring in
don't really have time to acclimate. So it raises the question of if this is
really real,"Abrahams says.
Even if these fish are someday deemed safe, the industry might not be
willing to accept them.
"Our industry likes what we have now,"says David Rideout, executive
director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. "I have yet to have
one member say to me, 'David, you've got to get us some of these transgenic
fish.' What they are saying is 'Why are we getting tagged with using these
transgenic fish when we're so opposed to it?' "
"Even if scientists give us the OK and say these fish are safe to use, if
consumers are opposed to it, we won't do it,"Rideout warns. "Consumers
rule."
27 September 2004
Return of the corncrake to Ulster?
The Irish News, 25 September 2004. The distinctive call of the 'lesser-spotted' corncrake is being heard in the fields of Northern Ireland again. The rare bird, once a common sight in the north, was spotted on Rathlin Island and in Co Fermanagh this summer, according to the RSPB. However, it is too early to say if the return will be long-lived, as there have not been any reports of the birds breeding. Healthy numbers of corncrakes - so-called because of their unique 'crex' call - currently exist on Tory Island off the Co Donegal coast and in the Shannon Callows area. The birds traditionally nest in Ireland between April and September before migrating to Africa. The brown-coloured bird, which is slightly smaller than a chicken and is related to the moorhen and coot, is notoriously shy. Its coyness contributed to its decline when intensive farming practices became commonplace. In the past, farmers used hand tools to take one cut of silage from fields. This, plus the fact that the farmer generally worked from the centre of the field towards its perimeter, gave the corncrake and its young time to escape. The mechanisation of the process - which is now often repeated several times during the summer - twinned with a change to cutting from the field's perimeter, meant corncrakes could neither escape the machinery nor find long grass in which to nest and breed. A spokeswoman for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) said: "Corncrakes are still coming back here and we will eventually get them back with the right management and the help of farmers."Corncrakes were recorded in Northern Ireland last year for the first time since 1997.
Strangford fishing ban welcomed
The Irish News, 25 September 2004. Two leading Northern Ire-land environment groups have joined forces to welcome a pledge by the DoE and Dard to safeguard mussel beds in Strangford lough by extending a ban on trawling. The departments expressed concern at confirmation that horse mussel reefs in one of Ireland's most famous loughs had deteriorated and expressed their commitment to the on-going protection and urgent restoration of "this unique marine feature". Officials were commenting after the publication of a new report that examined the lough's reefs which support uniquely varied ecosystems. The horse mussel beds, which form living reefs on the lough bed, are a distinctive feature of Strangford Lough and essential to the continued wellbeing of its marine ecosystem."
The departments commissioned Queen's University to undertake the Strangford Lough Ecological Change Investigation (SLECI) to establish the possible causes of their decline. In its interim report the SLECI team found that the horse mussel communities in the lough had deteriorated to such a large degree that they were "no longer in favourable conservation status."Dard, supported by DOE, has confirmed that a temporary ban on fishing the lough with mobile equipment, which was first in-troduced last December, would continue indefinitely.
The Joint Marine Partnership, made up of WWF Northern Ireland and the Ulster Wildlife Trust, last night welcomed the government's commitment to continue the ban. They also welcomed news that work on a restoration plan for the reefs had begun and urged the government to come to a swift decision on compensation for the fishermen aff-ected by the ban. The groups said it was important that the Queen's report discounted climate change and pollution as factors for the de-cline of the reefs.
24 September 2004
Coming Soon - Gene-Engineered
Insects
Planet Ark, 23.09.2004 USA: September 23, 2004 WASHINGTON - Coming soon to
a jungle near you - mosquitoes genetically engineered so
they cannot give people malaria. But this time scientists
want to do it right. Mindful of labels like "Frankenfoods"given to genetically modified crops, and of attacks against...
_______________________
22 September 2004
Wind carries GM pollen record distances
New Scientist, 20 September 2004. Pollen from a genetically modified grass has blown on the wind and pollinated other grasses up to 21 kilometres away, says a new study. This distance is "much further than previously measured", say the authors, and is thought to be a record for any GM pollen. The discovery comes as regulators decide whether to allow the planting of the GM creeping bentgrass on golf course putting greens across the US.
_______________________
Genes From Engineered Grass Spread for
Miles, Study Finds
New York Times, 21.09.2004. By Andrew Pollack. A new study shows that
genes from genetically engineered grass can spread much
farther than previously known, a finding that raises
questions about the straying of other plants altered through
biotechnology and that could hurt the efforts of two...
_______________________
EU readies for another clash on
approving new GMO
Planet Ark, 21.09.2004 BRUSSELS - EU governments look as divided
as ever over genetically modified (GMO) food as a new
request for importing a biotech maize type engineered by
U.S. biotech giant Monsanto (MON.N: Quote, Profile,
Research) comes up for approval. If approved by EU environment experts, the maize - modified to resist the corn rootworm insect - would be used in animal feed, but not for growing or for human consumption. The experts, representing EU governments, will meet on Monday to discuss whether to allow imports of the maize. If they agree, it would be the second genetically modified (GMO) product to receive EU-wide approval since a five-year blockade on new approvals was lifted, by legal default, in May. But so far, the EU is as split over biotechnology as when in 1998 several countries said they would reject any new authorisations until the EU's biotech laws were tougher.
_______________________
GM papayas found on 8 more farms
Plants to be tested to determine if they came from ministry research centre
The Nation (Thailand) September 21, 2004. Genetically modified (GM) papayas have been found on
eight more farms in Khon Kaen's Muang District, Agriculture
Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said yesterday. Somsak said that...
_______________________
16 September 2004
Goverment Admission: GM papaya confirmed in Thailand
Nation, Thailand, 15.09.2004. Ministry
says it will immediately destroy all crops found to be
contaminated The Agriculture Ministry yesterday admitted it
had found genetically modified (GM) papaya on a farm in
Khon Kaen and vowed to destroy the produce of any farm...
_______________________
14 September 2004
Europe urged to embrace GM foods
BBC, UK, 12.09.2004. By Richard Black BBC science correspondent in Germany. GM
crops ensure adequate global food supply, conference told. A
major conference on genetically-modified crops has opened
in Germany with calls for Europe to embrace GM food more
enthusiastically. Several speakers said GM plants were...
_______________________
Welcome to the world of unintended consequences
Farmers Weekly, UK. August 27 - September 2 2004. US farmers love the ease with which GM soyabeans can be kept clean. But that may not be so easy in the future, says Alan Guebert.
IN THE middle of a mild and amply moist summer, central Illinois is one endless carpet of green. Fields of tall and already heavily-eared maize line the roads for hundreds of miles at every point of the compass.
This vertical and verdant bounty is broken only by roadways and the state's other principal crop, the just-as-green, more horizontal fields of thickly seeded soyabeans. Every one of those fields is absolutely weedless; Monsanto has seen to that.
But, as a farmer friend recently noted, a growing numbers of soyabean fields this summer are not without unwanted plants. "I've sprayed my Roundup beans twice this summer and I can see maize still growing in the fields,"he said.
Volunteer maize, sprouting from the leftovers of the previous year's crop, is the bane of all soya farmers. My friend despises it because he, like many farmers on a strict maize-soya beans planting rotation, believes every unwanted maize plant is a tall flag that declares him to be a less-than-good farmer.
In this case, however, it is not his fault. After all, he's dunked his soya crop not once but twice with Roundup and the maize continues to thrive. Moreover, he has never planted Roundup maize on his farm so the hated maize cannot be a volunteer from his last year's crop. "But,"he guesses, "I think it is. My suspicion is the non-GMO seed I planted last year had to have some Roundup maize in it. That's the only explanation for why I can't kill the volunteer maize with Roundup this year."
Welcome to the wonderful world of unintended consequences.
The main reason eight out of 10 American soya acres sprout genetically modified seed is the simplicity and ease of keeping those acres absolutely clean of every non-soya plant - especially volunteer maize.
That clear victory, however, may be slipping away with the advance of GM maize. Roundup herbicide sprayed on Roundup Ready soyabeans will not kill Roundup Ready maize.
"I may have to go back to walking my soyabean fields with a hoe to get rid of the maize this year and in the future,"my farming buddy sighs.
Going back to what worked is an easy, if not a sweaty, route for him. The same cannot be said about the unknown and unintended health effects of GM food, a July 27 report from US National Academy of Sciences notes.
The detailed report, commissioned by the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency, recommends that government agencies "should assess the safety of genetically altered foods - whether produced by genetic engineering or by other techniques -on a case-by-case basis to determine whether unintended changes in their composition could adversely affect human health."
In fact, the report's chairman, a chemist from the University of Texas, explains: "All evidence to date indicates that any breeding technique that alters a plant or animal - whether by genetic engineering or other methods - has the potential to create unintended changes in the quality or amounts of food components that could harm health."
The Academy was quick to note, however, that "genetic engineering is not an inherently hazardous process. But the resulting food, along with foods created from other methods of genetic modification, should be examined to determine if the inserted genes produce toxins or allergens."
The report went on to note that GM food currently on the market does not need to be re-tested or traced. It did recommend that newly "genetically-altered food, including those genetically-engineered"should be sampled, analysed and profiled.
And, it continues, "Improved tracing and tracking methods should be implemented for genetically engineered food when warranted..."
The Academy report, authored by members of its National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, also suggests "a significant research effort"needs to be made "to detect health changes in the population that could result from genetic alternation and, specifically, genetic engineering of food."
To no one's surprise, each side of the very quiet GM food debate in America claims the report supports their central theses: that biofood is safe and that biofood may pack unintended health hazards.
As far as my friend the farmer, I suspect he cares little about the report and I know he will not read it. This August, he has bigger problems.
Like seeing volunteer maize in his Roundup soyabean fields every time he looks out his kitchen window, even on moonlit nights.
"You know how life is supposed to go full circle?"he asked me in an end-of-July telephone conversation. "Well, mine just did. I'm back to hand-hoeing maize out of soyabean fields."
I then remind him that I predicted that very consequence just two years ago when we discussed the virtues and vices of planting GM maize.
"But I got it and I never bought it!"he roars.
Alas, the wonderful world of unintended consequences.
13 September 2004
Genetic Traits Spread
to Non- Engineered Papayas in Hawaii
Environment News Service, HILO, Hawaii,
September 10, 2004 (ENS) - Engineered papaya genes are
showing up in fruits and seeds that were thought to be
traditional, prompting a coalition of outraged farmers,
consumers and backyard growers Thursday to bring their...
_______________________
Coffee industry code
of conduct fails to exclude GM technology
Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Switzerland, 10.09.2004 Swiss- based food giant NestlÈ and three other
major coffee companies have agreed a code of conduct with
producers in a bid to improve standards across the industry.
The agreement aims to create better working conditions and
protect the environment in coffee-producing countries... However, the environmental group, Greenpeace, has withdrawn from the initiative amid disagreement over the use of genetically modified crops. "We regret that the coffee industry, including NestlÈ, was not ready to exclude the use of gene technology in favour of sustainable and ecological coffee production,"said Andreas Bernstorff of Greenpeace.
_______________________
Angling tourism at risk as trout lakes 'infested'
Irish Independent, Monday, 13 September 2004. By Peter Gleeson. The infestation of Ireland's top trout lakes with an invasive species of exotic mussel is inevitable, an expert has predicted.
Marine biologist Dr Dan Minchin has said that the country's abundant trout stocks, which generate millions of euro every year in angling tourism, are also likely to be compromised as a result of global warming.
The zebra mussel has the potential to radically alter the natural ecosystems of lakes, according to Dr Minchin, who said the spread of the species to the world famous angling lakes of the Corrib, Mask and Carra in the west of Ireland was bound to occur.
Dr Minchin, a member of the Lough Derg Science Group, said the small shellfish had first been detected on the Shannon in 1997.
The shellfish, which originated in rivers north of the Black Sea, almost certainly arrived in Lough Derg as fouling on boats imported from Britain. Since then it has spread upstream to all the lakes on the Shannon and had now infested 57 lakes surveyed. The infestations have led to the total wipe out of the native fresh water mussels on Lough Derg, Ree and Key as the smaller zebra species attach themselves to the shells of the natives in large numbers, causing suffocation.
Dr Minchin added increasing water temperatures due to global warming would also have a negative impact on Ireland's reputation as a top angling destination. "We see question marks about the long-term future for trout fishing over the next 50 years. There can be difficulties if the water gets too warm,"he said.
9 September 2004
Irish 'GM free zone' call
UTV, 8 September 2004. The Irish government is being urged to move swiftly to secure status for Ireland as a GM Free Zone. It follows the EU decision to allow the sale of genetically modified Maize in all member states. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association says consumer concerns must be taken on board. The ICSA recently held talks with groups in the North, urging co-operation against GM foods on an all-island basis. Rural Development Chairman John Heney says the government needs to act without delay.
GM crops discussed
Belfast Telegraph, 9 Sept. 2004. An SDLP delegation has met the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association at Stormont to discuss GM Crops. Afterwards South Down Assembly Member Margaret Ritchie said: "The ICSFA outlined their policy on maintaining a GM-free island and we agreed the issue is something the farming and rural community north and south must work together on."Sinn Fein agriculture representatives have also had a separate meeting with the ICSFA.
Assembly of European Regions launches GMO campaign
GMO-free Europe, 9 Sept. 2004. The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Friends of the Earth Europe will hold a joint press conference on Tuesday the 14th of September in Strasbourg. This will mark the launch of their new joint campaign in favour of the legal recognition of GMO-free zones and regions.
For details see the conference invitation at
www.are-regions-europe.org/Doc2004/GMO/GB-ARE-FOE-Invitation-09-04.doc.
Meanwhile the AER has published a brand new thematic dossier with the title "How to become a GMO-free region". (Includes interviews with B. Hobman from Gloucestershire and G. Lohnauer from Upper Austria).
You find it here:
www.are-regions-europe.org/Dossier_2004/GB-dossier-OGM-06-04.pdf
GMO-free regions set to intensify their activities
GMO-free Europe, 9 Sept. 2004. The European network of GMO-free Regions led by Upper Austria and Tuscany have announced that they will intensify their activities against the use of GMOs in agriculture.
Josef Stockinger, minister for agriculture of Upper Austria, appealed to the European Commission to respect the regions' right of self-determination in the question of GMO-free zones. A different approach would not serve the European idea.
Tito Barbini of Tuscany announced a Conference of GMO-free regions for early next year in Florence.
Article in German: www.gast.at/ireds-856-file-0004498328.html.xml
First GMO-free region in Portugal
GMO-free Europe, 2 Sept. 2004. In August 2004 the whole of the Algarve region (the southern part of Portugal and the most touristic area) has declared itself GMO-free. The 16 local governments that form the full regional government voted unanimously for this decision.
5 September 2004
Monsanto Likely to Challenge
Brazil Ban on GM Soybeans
Wisconsin Ag Connection, USAgNet - 09/03/2004. Monsanto
Co., St. Louis, said it intends to appeal a legal ban in
Brazil on selling its genetically modified Roundup Ready
soybeans after a court decision cleared the way for an
appeal. A federal court published its decision, made late...
_______________________
GMO fears: 'Papayas are not tainted'
The Nation (Thailand) September 4, 2004. Ministry denies local varieties contaminated
during field trials. The Agriculture Department yesterday
denied that papayas destined for European markets and...
_______________________
30 August 2004
WTO Delays
Decision On E.U.'s Biotech Ban; Scientists Allowed to
Testify in Debate
The Washington Post, 27 August Paul Geitner, Associated Press, The United
States will have to wait until next year to see its fight
with the European Union over biotech foods resolved, as the...
_______________________
The green desert; Farming in Argentina
The Economist, August 28, 2004 U.S. Edition.
Argentina's soya boom Pros and cons of the soya boom. PINTO,
a small village in northern Argentina, has the air of a
place under siege. As he watches bulldozers in a
neighbouring property ripping up trees and scrub to make...
_______________________
28 August 2004
Look Who's Selling Out the Country
Bangkok Post August 26, 2004. If the Thaksin government thinks it
has consumers and farmers in a firm grip, its pro-GMO
decision might soon prove it wrong. A large number of
farmers are already extremely unhappy with the government's
bilateral free trade agreements with China and Australia....
Asia heads towards use of GMO
foods, despite activist protests
Agence France Presse, 27 August 2004. By Mark McCord. A decision
by Thailand, one of Asia's prime agricultural producers, to
allow open-field trials of genetically modified crops marks
another milestone for the controversial products in the...
25 August 2004
Nanofear
Forbes September 6, 2004 SECTION: Pg. 168 Vol. 173 No. 17, by Michael
Freedman. Pat Mooney stirred up hornet's nest for
biotech. Will he do the same for nanotechnology? BODY: Pat
Mooney stirred up a hornet's nest for biotech. Will he do
the same for nanotechnology? The science of small might...
_______________________
Biotechnology train may be Pandora's box
The Nation August 24, 2004. When Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra announced on Friday that Thailand would embrace
genetically engineered (GE) crops, he declared that, 'The
government won't let the country miss the biotechnology...
_______________________
Reversal of Ban on GM Crops Angers Activists
IPS-Inter Press Service August 23, 2004. By
IPS Correspondents. The reversal by Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra of an earlier ban on the planting of
genetically modified (GM) crops has inflamed
environmentalists, farmers' groups and consumer networks,...
_______________________
Thai PM gives green light to
GMO crops
Terra Daily, Wires, 21.08.04 BANGKOK (AFP) Aug 21, 2004. Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra said Saturday he would allow an open-
field trial of genetically modified food in what would be a
key step towards commercial use of GM crops in the kingdom.
The relaxation of Thailand's existing regulations on...
_______________________
21 August 2004
NI birds 'facing extinction'
BBC News, 21 August 2004. Many birds native to Northern Ireland could become extinct, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has warned. A report published by the charity says the numbers of woodland and farmland birds are at their lowest level ever. The report revealed that farmland bird numbers have plunged by as much as 60% over the past 20 years. Species at risk include the corncrake, lapwing and the peeweet as their natural habitat disappears.
Dr James Robinson of the RSPB says good land management is the answer. "Lapwing and redshank bred for the first time in a recently cleared nature conservation area next to the City Airport, showing that people and birds can co-exist and do so successfully,"he said. "The message we need to take away from the report is not to get depressed but to do something now so that the environment is safeguarded for people and wildlife."The report also warns of a threat to seabirds due to a combination of over-fishing, climate change and diseases such as botulism from landfill sites. Dr Robinson said the decline in the bird population was a wake-up call to people. "Birds are at the top of the food chain and any fall in their numbers indicates that something is wrong with the environment,"he said. "It could be anything from water quality to depleting fish stocks. The Common Agricultural Policy from Europe has been the main mover behind the drastic falls in some of our most beloved species such as the peeweet, yellow yornie and curlew. The corncrake, once a common visitor to these shores is all but extinct in the north and struggling at record levels in the south."
However, the report also shows an increase in the numbers of birds of prey including buzzards and peregrine falcons. "They have seen some recovery, however it must be remembered that they suffered the most appalling declines in the 70s when the pesticide DDT was used,"said Dr Robinson. "Their numbers crashed then and they are only starting to make a recovery."
20 August 2004
The Bitter Taste of Vanilla
The Independent (London), August 19, 2004. It was once an industry that worked to the benefit of rich and poor alike. Then a tropical storm combined with a technological breakthrough to cause catastrophe. Cahal Milmo reports on the tragic price of one of our favourite flavours
_______________________
19 August 2004
Reintroduction of Irish apples boosted by scheme
The Irish Times, August 19 2004. By Seán Mac Connell.
The reintroduction of endangered Irish apple varieties such as the Kerry Pippin, Glenstal Cooker and Cavan Sugar Cane has been given a boost by the revised Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
The scheme carries extra payments for the creation and maintenance of orchards of traditional Irish varieties to ensure their survival.
Mr Dermot McKinney, project manager of the Irish Seed Savers Association, said it had already experienced demand for trees for the scheme, which was approved in June. "We have 130 different varieties of Irish apple trees here and in anticipation of demand, we have grafted 5,500 apple trees for those who want them,"he said. "We are talking about varieties such as Ballyvaughan, Sheep Snout, Sunny John, Kerry Pippin, Glenstal Cooker, Beauty of Bath, Bloody Butcher and Cavan Sugar Cane being saved,"he added.
"The last time there was an attempt to save native trees it was during the time of the British Empire, around 1903/1906 when grants were given to promote endangered British trees. I am afraid there was no question of promoting Irish trees then but 100 years on, we now have the chance,"he said.
Mr Michael O'Donovan, the Department of Agriculture official in charge of the scheme, said the orchard project was just one of the pro-active measures put into the revised scheme to enhance the environment. "The first two REPS schemes were about conserving what was there. The revised scheme is about creating habitat and pushing the whole issue forward in a pro-active way,"he said.
Also introduced was the Land Invested In Nature, Natural Eco-Tillage Habitats scheme, where farmers would be rewarded for small-scale production of cereals as overwintering food for small birds. It also incorporates extra payments for conserving corncrake habitats.
Monsanto ripped over
wheat experiments
Winnipeg Sun, Canada, 17.08.2004 By Colin Perkel, Toronto (CP). Field
trials of genetically modified wheat are still being
conducted in Canada by multinational biotech giant Monsanto
despite a pledge earlier this year that the testing would be
abandoned, critics said Tuesday. In a letter to Greenpeace...
_______________________
Bar Coding Babies
GeneWatch UK, 19 August 2004. In its 2003 White Paper on genetics in the National Health Service, the Government included the idea of screening babies at birth "to produce a comprehensive map of their key genetic markers, or even their entire genome."Dubbed 'bar-coding babies', would this lead to improvements in health or be a source of confusing and unreliable information? Would the loss of consent and counselling be important, or offset by the knowledge it would generate? The latest GeneWatch UK Briefing 'Bar-coding babies: good for health?' can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
_______________________
17 August 2004
EU Commission prepares for battle
over GMO seeds
Planetark, August 13, 2004, BRUSSELS - Europe
may again display its deep differences over biotechnology
next month when the European Commission battles to find
common ground on purity rules for seeds, the last piece in
the EU's legal GMO jigsaw. Brussels wants to update...
_______________________
Nearly 2/3 of French people live in GM-free areas
From the GMO-Free Europe web site.
_______________________
Greece is now almost entirely GMO-free
From the GMO-Free Europe web site.
53 out of 54 prefectures are now declared GMO-free!
_______________________
30 Municipalities GM-free in Hungary!
From the GMO-Free Europe web site.
_______________________
First GM free zones in Poland
From the GMO-Free Europe web site.
_______________________
Initiative started for transboundary GM-free region Pannonien
From the GMO-Free Europe web site.
_______________________
9 August 2004
Dairy prairies' blamed for fewer wildlife species
Irish Times, 7 August 2004. By Liam Reid. Intensive farming is having a detrimental effect on the diversity of plant and animal wildlife in the Irish countryside, according to the co-ordinator of a major study into the environmental health of the countryside.
Dr Gordon Purvis told The Irish Times that initial results from the Ag-biota project suggested the numbers of birds, plant life and insects decreased in areas devoted largely to grass production for dairy and beef farms.
He said the reforms of the CAP agricultural subsidy system, however, made it possible to encourage new methods of environmentally-sensitive farming.
The five-year project involving 20 scientists is studying plant and animal wildlife on Irish farmland, and aims to identify the numbers and types of bird, insect and plant wildlife to be found in grasslands.
The project will also develop methods to measure and compare levels of "biodiversity"in farming areas around the country.
The scientists are also carrying out experiments on the impact of farming methods on biodiversity. Biodiversity is a term used to describe the health of an environment in terms of the variety of different animal and plant species living there.
Dr Purvis, who is based at the department of environmental resource management at UCD, said the study was focusing on agricultural land.
While there had been a lot of focus on major species such as the corncrake, very little was known about the real extent of plant and animal wildlife in commercial farmlands.
The project is at an early stage, with three more years of research left. Initial results from surveys in 10 sites in intensively-farmed land, however, have found 14 plant species, 130 species of beetles, 85 different groups of parasitic wasps, 70 other insect groups and 40 species of spiders.
In the wider farmland landscape, 50 species of trees and shrubs, and 63 bird species have also been recorded.
The initial results from research on bird life, carried out by research student Mr Barry McMahon, suggest there is less bird life in areas where intensive dairy farming is taking place.
This homogenous landscape of high-yield ryegrass fields is called a "dairy prairie", according to Dr Purvis. "A dairy prairie with very few hedges and wire fences - you won't get many birds."
Research being carried out by Teagasc as part of the study has also found that the REPs scheme, aimed at reducing environmental damage from farming, may not be having any beneficial impact on biodiversity.
The scheme provides farmers with additional subsidies to limit the amount of fertiliser and animals on land. But initial results from Teagasc suggest farmers tend to overgraze REPs land using rotational grazing, where sections of field are intensively grazed for short periods.
"Little else has the chance to grow,"Dr Purvis said. "This very intensive form of grazing management may be one of the most important limitations on the development of greater biodiversity in grasslands."
The study is also trying to identify new methods of farming which will maximise biodiversity while at the same time being profitable for farmers, such as using more diverse grass mixes.
"A whole new scene is being set by CAP reform change, which makes it now possible to start actually encouraging farmers as environmental managers,"said Dr Purvis.
Ireland may have hundreds of new species of wasp
Irish Times, 7 August 2004. By Liam Reid. Potentially hundreds of new species of wasp have been discovered by scientists working on one of the largest environmental research projects ever undertaken in Ireland.
The project, which is attempting to measure the impact of farming on plant, insect and animal wildlife, discovered 85 "genera"of the tiny parasitic creatures which were the inspiration for the film Alien.
The wasps have also emerged as one of the best indicators of animal and plant wildlife health in Irish farmland.
The huge numbers of the tiny creatures were discovered by the Ag-biota project, a 1.4 million, five-year study measuring biodiversity in Ireland.
The 85 genera could contain numerous species but, with very little currently known about the wasps, further research is required to identify how many new species there are in the samples collected by the project.
The project, which is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has also identified 60 species of bird, 40 of spider and more than 100 of beetles in its first two years.
The wasps, which range in size from two millimetres to two centimetres, are parasitic and feed on other insects.
"These are not your big stinging wasps. These are minute little enemies of other insects,"Dr Gordon Purvis, director of the project, told The Irish Times.
They inject their eggs into the body of host insects, like the extraterrestrial creature in the Alien series of films starring Sigourney Weaver.
"When it's finished it will pupate into an adult wasp and will burst out of the dead husk of the insect,"said Dr Purvis.
Although these parasitic wasps have been known to exist since the 1700s, research on them in Ireland or Britain has been limited.
The British Museum, which has one of the most comprehensive records of biological specimens, had records of only three species of parasitic wasp found in these islands.
"Nobody has looked before,"Dr Purvis said about the discovery.
"Ironically, the British Museum can identify these things from Borneo and Central America, and they can't identify them from ryegrass fields in Wexford."
Because there are so many species, which each feed on a different type of insect, Dr Purvis and the other scientists plan to use the wasps to help measure the overall environmental health of an area.
Initial results from the study have indicated that the EU's rural environmental protection scheme for farmers does little to encourage biodiversity.
6 August 2004
Wildlife decline on NI farms can be reversed
BBC News Online, 5 August 2004. Environmentalists have urged the government to use reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy to help protect Northern Ireland's countryside. A coalition of eight organisations, representing more than 100,000 members, said adequate funding must be found to enable two thirds of the province's Ireland farmland to enter EU agri-environmental schemes. It called on the Department of Agriculture to provide leadership by encouraging farmers to enter into such schemes.
The group said current farm subsidies had prioritised production at the expense of the environment but changes to the CAP signalled a change in emphasis. "We are proposing a win-win situation,"said Aidan Lonergan, Director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. "Wildlife has suffered drastically under the previous CAP regime with catastrophic declines."The RSPB said wildlife on farms had declined drastically over the last 30 years due to intensification. Lapwing and yellowhammer numbers have fallen by more than 65% and the corncrake is now extinct in Northern Ireland. In many areas of intensive farmland, there are no butterflies or grasshoppers left, and many wild flowers, including the primrose, have disappeared.
Mr Lonergan said there was a real opportunity to ensure the countryside was safeguarded for future generations. "Agri-environment schemes or farming subsidies which give parity to the environment as well as production, are the best way of ensuring that farmers are properly rewarded for providing food while simultaneously safeguarding the environment,"he said. At the moment there are more than 7,000 farmers participating in environmentally-friendly schemes, with almost 3,000 of those in the Countryside Management Scheme. Mr Lonergan added: "With some imagination everyone could make tremendous gains from this review of CAP. We look to the government to listen to the public and provide leadership,"he added.
3 August 2004
Getting back to basics on food.
Irish Independent, 3 August 2004. Letter to the Editor:
Sir - I have become increasingly concerned about recent trends and developments in food production and farming in Ireland. Consumers and farmers, once the main stakeholders in the supply and consumption of food, have had their positions hijacked by giant food companies and large supermarket chains.
This conflict of interests between big businesses and consumers was starkly demonstrated at a recent international food conference in Dublin, where a former chairman of one of the UK's largest food companies spoke during his keynote address about "neurotic, affluent consumers"afraid to take risks and also questioned "the logical reasoning of consumers"when rejecting GM food.
Is it any wonder that there is a growing unease among consumers about the food they eat? Food has become little more than a commodity, used by large food companies and supermarkets as a means of making huge profits while having little concern for the producer or the consumer.
I am deeply concerned about these worrying developments. I also deplore the fact that, in conjunction with these developments, Irish farms are expected to become more intensive and industrialised.
This shift towards industrialised farming has huge ethical, ecological and environmental consequences for the Irish landscape and rural society.
Research consistently shows that consumers want natural, GM-free food. As a GM-free island, providing what the consumer wants, traditional Irish farming could be saved, thus protecting rural environment and society.
John Heney,
Lyster House,
Portlaoise,
Co Laois.
28 July 2004
EU Commission rejects Greens' criticism of 'undemocratic' GM authorisations.
Cordis News, 27 July 2004. The EU Commission has rejected concerns expressed by the Green/EFA Group in the European Parliament that the EU's authorisation process for genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) is 'incompatible with the democratic ideals that
the Union seeks to promote.'
Under the current system, known as the comitology procedure, if the Council
fails to reach a qualified majority decision to either approve or reject a GM
authorisation request within three months, it is then left to the Commission
to take a decision.
As in the most recent authorisation cases, concerning two different varieties
of GM maize, the Commission's decision draws heavily on scientific
assessments carried out by the European Food Safety Authority. In both these
cases EFSA concluded that the GM maize varieties were as safe as conventional
sweetcorn, and the Commission duly approved the authorisations.
According to the Green/EFA Group, the fourth largest political grouping in the
newly elected parliament, only nine out of 25 EU Member States are in favour
of granting marketing licences for new GMOs, and more than 70 per cent of
Europe's citizens are opposed to GM food.
In letters sent to the new President designate of the Commission, JosÈ
Barroso, and President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, the Greens
argue that: '[T]he Commission has lifted Europe's moratorium on GMOs and has
so far approved each new request to market GMOs in the EU that it has
received.'
'The fact that the Commission can make such decisions in the absence of
Council agreement and without the backing of the Parliament is incompatible
with the democratic ideals promoted by the Union,' the letters continue.
However, a spokesperson for Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David
Byrne rejected the argument that the comitology procedure is undemocratic,
and told CORDIS News: 'This is not the first time we've heard that argument -
it's not true, simple as that. The legislative process being used is set out
in the Treaty, and was adopted by Parliament and Council in full awareness of
the consequences.'
In their letter to Mr Barroso, the Greens 'plead strongly' with him to revise
the comitology procedures in order to make them more democratic, including a
significant political role for the European Parliament. However, Mr Byrne's
spokesperson said: 'You cannot have every technical decision going through a
two year codecision procedure. The decision making process would grind to a
halt.'
For further information, please visit
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/index_en.htm
23 July 2004
www.politics.ie. 21 July 2004. Labour anger over green light for use of GM produce in animal feed.
The Labour Party Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Deputy Mary Upton, has
criticised a decision by the EU to allow the use of genetically modified
maize in animal feedstuffs. She said that the matter has not been adequately
debated in Ireland at any stage.
"This is simply a case of the EU cow-towing to multi nationals - in this case
the powerful GM promoters in the Monsanto company. There has not been
sufficient consultation on this subject. The Irish agriculture or food
industries have not been consulted by our own Minister for Agriculture, by
our Minister for Health or by the EU.
"This decision has been taken for purely commercial reasons and does not have
any consideration for Irish agriculture given the dearth of consultation and
discussion domestically on this matter.
"Ireland has a particular interest in this issue. Part of our major marketing
strategy of Irish produce abroad is that is clean and naturally produced. The
use of GM maize in animal feed is likely to be detrimental in the long term
and will do nothing to enhance the green image of Irish agriculture that has
been one of our strong marketing points"she added.
The Irish Times, 22 July 2004. No room for complacency about food safety.
By Dick Ahlstrom. Levels of toxins in Irish food are among the lowest in Europe, but experts say it's too early to relax, writes Dick Ahlstrom. The Republic has some of the lowest background levels of dioxins and other dangerous chemicals, according to research by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, but we must not allow ourselves to grow complacent, the authority's acting chief executive has warned.
Alan Reilly also says it is wrong that the State is still unable to do its own tests for dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs). "We don't have a lab to test for dioxins. We are still getting our tests done outside the State,"he says. These tests cost up to §1,000 each. "Ireland needs to have facilities to do this type of analysis."
Earlier this month the authority released the latest data on POPs in the Irish food chain. In general the figures are encouraging, although they show that, as in all other parts of the world, our environment carries a burden of these chemicals. These in turn build up in animal food products, entering our food chain, where they can accumulate over time.
The authority's interest in POPs began as soon as it was established in 1999, says Reilly. Concerns were fuelled in particular by a dioxin scare in Belgium, when the chemical was processed into animal feed that was then distributed around the world. Animals picked up the dioxin after eating the feed, in turn exposing large numbers of people to the substance. "It showed how within three weeks there was widespread contamination from a single source due to the global nature of the food industry,"says Reilly.
POPs are of particular concern to those involved in food safety. They include the infamous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, as well as organochlorine pesticides, including DDT and chlordane. All are extremely persistent once released into the environment. They break down very slowly and are fat soluble, so they readily bioaccumulate in animals and humans.
They have known health effects, being both carcinogens and dangerous to the growing foetus, according to Reilly. The chemicals can interfere with the normal development of the fetus's neural system. "That is where you would get an influence."
The authority runs the national food-surveillance programme for a host of substances, including POPs. "We are actively looking for these in the food supply, and they are found mainly in foods of animal origin."
One of the best assessments of background levels comes through working with nursing mothers. "Probably the best indicator of levels of dioxins and PCBs is to measure them in breast milk. You can look at the lifetime build-up."
The picture here is good compared with that in other European countries, he says. "The breast-milk levels in Irish women are the lowest in Europe."
He adds, however, that intensive monitoring is required to ensure that any new industrial activity known to produce POPs, such as incineration and chemical production, does not raise background levels.
"We don't want to see any introduction of the technologies that produce them. The best way to ensure food safety is an active monitoring programme."
POP data collected over the past 11 years shows that background levels are in decline here despite industrial activity - largely, Reilly says, because of the introduction of the Environmental Protection Agency's licensing system for chemical discharges.
This put strict limits to POP output, and as a result the background level is slowly falling.
Even so, says Reilly, he would call for intensive monitoring around any new incineration facility, to ensure that consumers are protected.
The Irish Times, 21 July 2004.
CAP review to prompt rise in organic farming, says expert.
By Seán MacConnell, Agriculture Correspondent. Some of Ireland's top conventional farmers are likely to move into organic farming as a result of the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy, an Irish expert on organics predicted yesterday.
Mr Ger Shortle, who is manager of Teagasc's national organic farm in Athenry, Co Galway, made the prediction yesterday at the end of a series of farm "open days"which Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture and Food have been holding across the State.
"We saw quite a large number of very good conventional farmers, especially from the livestock and tillage areas, at the demonstrations over the past few weeks,"he said yesterday at Mr Ernest Mackey's farm in Donard, Co Wicklow.
"Not only will farmers be able to take their single payment for their entitlements from conventional farming into the organic sector but they will also be entitled to very decent payments over the conversion period from conventional to organic,"he said.
He said these payments would amount to more than §18,000 for the first years, dropping to €13,000 for the rest of the conversion period, on farms of up to 55 hectares.
"The most adaptable farmers - and especially those who will be forced to reduce the fertiliser output because of the Nitrates Directive - will and are seriously looking at the organic sector now,"he said.
Mr Shortle said that despite the drive by the Department and Teagasc to bring more farmers into the sector, there were just over 1,000 registered organic farmers working 30,000 hectares, less than 1 per cent of production.
He said there were many openings for farmers who wished to go into the sector because 70 per cent of the §37 million market for organic products here was still being imported from abroad.
"We will never be able to grow organic banana or tropical fruit but there are lots of fruit and vegetables that Irish people will pay good money to buy."
Mr Mackey, who has been running a 137-hectare farm at Ballinclea House since 1997, told visitors that serious attempts would have to be made soon to ensure effective marketing of organic Irish beef.
Irish producers were losing out in the British market, and his fear was that Ireland was regressing rather than progressing in relation to overseas marketing of organic beef.
He said he was phasing out tillage on his farm in favour of beef production from his Aubrac herd, and he predicted that, from 2005, sheep would return a greater profit than cattle.
A visit was also organised yesterday on the organic vegetable farm of Mr Dominic Quinn and Ms Hilda Crampton, at Castleruddery, Donard, who have been involved in organic farming since 1990.
The couple started with one acre of vegetables and one tunnel, and now have 13 acres and nine tunnels.
They grow potatoes, leeks, scallions, most brassica crops, carrots, celery, legumes and salads, all with the use of farmyard manure on a five-year crop, rotated with two to three years of grass clover.
They also keep a small number of sheep, one cow and, occasionally, a number of pigs which are also reared organically.
The farm sells directly to the public and through some of the farmers' markets.
It gives Dominic and Hilda "a satisfactory income", they say. They also employ three other people part-time.
13 July 2004
Irish Independent, 13 July 2004. SCIENTISTS TO GROW VACCINES FROM GM CROPS.
By Steve Connor in London. Genetically modified plants are to be used to grow vaccines against rabies and Aids, scientists have announced.
Europe's first field trial, announced yesterday, is likely to be carried out in South Africa because of fears over crop vandalism in Britain.
The GM crop could dramatically reduce the cost of producing vaccines. Scientists estimate they can be made at between a tenth and a hundredth of the price of conventional immunisations.
Dubbed "pharming"by its opponents, the announcemenet is the latest step forward in the development of technology which allows medicines to be grown in plants.
The EU has awarded €12m to scientists who aim to develop the technology for growing GM plants that can be turned into vaccines. Professor Julian Ma of St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, said it will ltake two years to develop the technique before the first crop is scheduled to be grown in 2006.
Organic Bytes: 8 July 2004. STARLINK CORN FIASCO FINALLY PAYS OUT. Four years ago traces of an illegal, likely allergenic genetically engineered corn (Starlink) began showing up in taco shells and other food products in the U.S. Hundreds of U.S. consumers reported serious allergic reactions food products likely contaminated with StarLink corn. A billion dollar recall of food products ensued, and farmers whose fields were contaminated by the drifting Starlink pollen incurred massive financial losses. In June of 2004, a class action lawsuit against Aventis, the producer of Starlink corn, came to a close with a settlement of $112 million to affected farmers (amounting to only about $1-2 per contaminated acre). The disaster is a dramatic example of how genetically engineered crops can go awry.
_______________________
Organic Bytes: 8 July 2004. IS MONSANTO QUIETLY DROPPING rBGH? Since its release onto the market in 1994, Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) has been banned in most industrialized nations, other than the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico. While the genetically engineered hormone is regularly being injected into 22% of the dairy herdin the U.S. to force cows to give more milk, scientists warn that it may increase milk drinkers' risks of getting cancer. After a decade of forcing unlabeled and untested rBGH-tainted milk and dairy products on consumers, Monsanto is mysteriously scaling back its production of the controversial drug. In January the company announced a 50% cutback in production. Recently, Monsanto's plants in Austria and Augusta, Georgia, have halted production entirely, supposedly due to minor contamination problems. Rumors within the industry, however, are that Monsanto is in a panic about field reports of major damage to bovine health, including bone cancer, prompting the company to phase out production of the controversial hormone so as to avoid legal liability.
_______________________
4 July 2004
The Australian July 2, 2004 SECTION:
LOCAL; Pg. 6 LENGTH: 280 words Title row on cotton project
SOURCE: MATP BY Paige Taylor THE West Australian Government
faces the prospect of a massive native title battle over a
large tract of the Kimberley earmarked for a genetically
modified cotton venture worth about $1 billion a year....
_______________________
1 July 2004
Xinhua General News Service, June 29, 2004.
International treaty on plant genetic resources takes effect.
An international treaty to widen access to plant genetic
resources and enhance sustained global agricultural...
_______________________
30 June 2004
Politics.ie. 30 June 2004. O'Malley Comments on Genetically Modified Foods. Mr Tim O'Malley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for Food Safety, today (29th June 2004) welcomed the recent discussion held in the Seanad on Genetically Modified Foods at which the Minister spoke on the Government's position on GM Foods and the public concerns and media reports concerning the issue. Minister O'Malley stated "Since taking office, this Government has attached great importance to the issue of food safety and to the concerns of consumers in particular. It recognises the need for uncompromised and independently verifiable assurances on food safety to ensure consumer confidence. This is particularly the case in the approach taken to GM foods."
Independent scientific advice provides no evidence that the GM foods authorised within the EU pose a risk to human health and that no product consisting of, containing or derived from GMOs can be authorised for marketing without first having undergone appropriate safety assessment...
_______________________
Medical News Today, 24 Jun 2004.
Study shows lack of research into GM health effects
A study by scientists in Norway and Denmark shows a serious lack of published
research into the health effects of GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
The study by Professor Ian Pryme and Rolf Lembcke was published in the journal
Nutrition and Health in 2003. It says that there have only
been ten published studies of the health effects of GM food or feed. The
researchers found that the quality of some of these was inadequate.
Over half were undertaken in collaboration with companies (fully or
partially), and these found no negative effects on body organs. The other
studies were independent and looked more closely at the effects on the gut
lining. Several of these found potentially negative changes which have not
been explained.
As we know, similar effects on the gut lining were found in the unpublished
animal feeding study on the Flavr Savr tomato. Also unpublished is the human
feeding trial by Newcastle University which found that transgenes transfer
out of GM food into gut bacteria at detectable levels after only one GM meal.
The biotechnology companies often refer to some 100 animal feeding studies as
proof of safety. However, these were designed to test the commercial value of
the animal feed, not safety. Furthermore, many of these studies were
duplicates and not all were published.
Science is about testing and proving a hypothesis. With only ten studies, many of which were inadequate, the hypothesis of the biotechnology companies and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) that GM foods are safe has actually not been proven. The science to prove it simply does not exist. Moreover, the limited available evidence indicates that there could be negative effects.
Download the report
_______________________
26 June 2004
Irish Independent, 26 June 2004. By John Walshe. Science & animals: New state science adviser promises honesty. Advice given to Governments over the centuries by chief science advisers has not always been well received.
Cork-born Dr Barry McSweeney, the Government's new science adviser, is only too aware of what happened to the father of modern chemistry, Antoine Lavoisier, who fell out of favour with the French Court and was beheaded during the revolution.
And he is equally familiar with the downfall of Italian scientist and philosopher Galileo, an adviser to monarchies and governments, who was put under house arrest for some of his theories which were later accepted.
However, Ireland's first holder of the Government post has no such worries, even if his advice proves to be unacceptable.
"I'm sure the advice I give will not always be popular but it will be independent, soundly-based advice, on all aspects of science,"promises Dr McSweeney, whose appointment was announced yesterday.
He says there are many issues that worry the public and many issues that the public should be excited about. His advice will cover everything from GM foods to embryonic stem cells, from defence to education.
"I will do it in a balanced manner with the best scientific knowledge available. People may not like it but it is my responsibility to give the advice honestly."
His appointment was announced at the launch of the F¡S Science Challenge Graduate Project by T·naiste Mary Harney, who added that a Cabinet sub committee was being appointed to specifically address and co-ordinate science and technology issues.
[Note: Dr. McSweeney has close ties to the biotech industry and was accused by Greenpeace of attempting to suppress the publication of an EU report entitled "Scenarios for co-existence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops in European agriculture"produced by the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) in May 2002 whilst he was the Director General of that organisation. Prior to this, Dr. McSweeney was CEO of BioResearch Ireland and Director of Biocon Biochemicals.]
_______________________
25 June 2004
The Guardian (London) June 25, 2004 SECTION: Guardian
Leader Pages, Pg. 24 LENGTH: 831 words HEADLINE: Michael
Meacher: GM food is heading for your fridge: It may well be
dangerous - and it is about to enter our food chain BODY:
Genetically modified food is coming to Britain. Two
applications for the approval of GM animal feed are...
_______________________
The Dominion Post (Wellington, New Zealand) June 25,
2004, Friday SECTION: NEWS Pg. 3 LENGTH: 62 words HEADLINE:
Boat captain free BODY: The New Zealand Greenpeace captain
who faced charges after a ship carrying genetically
engineered soy was blockaded at a harbour south of Sydney
in April walked free from an Australian court yesterday....
_______________________
22 June 2004
BBC News, 21 June 2004. Push to spread GM crops in Africa. Exports to Europe could suffer if GM is introduced. Delegates from 15 West African nations have gathered in Burkina Faso for a three-day US-backed conference on genetically-modified crops. The US Department of Agriculture says the conference aims to combat prejudice about biotechnology. "It is a response to the needs of hundreds of millions of people who don't have enough food,"it says. But critics accuse the US of selling GM crops to the developing world as an over-simplified solution to hunger. Planet Ark, 22.06.2004 Scientists Urge Shift to Non-Food
Crops LONDON - Farmers of the world must shift quickly to
growing plants for industrial uses such as oils and
plastics to replace petrochemicals as the climate warms and
crude supplies run out, British scientists said yesterday.
"In the next 20 to 50 years we have to reverse our... 21 June 2004 Agence France Presse -- English June 20, 2004 Sunday 8:34
AM Eastern Time SECTION: International News LENGTH: 609
words HEADLINE: Whither, maize? US takes GMO pitch to west
Africa with Burkina summit BYLINE: BOUREIMA HAMA DATELINE:
OUAGADOUGOU, June 20 BODY: Delegates from 15 west African
countries will gather Monday in Burkina Faso at a summit... 18 June 2004
Irish Independent, June 18. Ban GM, says farm pressure group. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association has become the first farm organisation to demand that Ireland become GM-free, writes Aideen Sheehan. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany, 18.06.2004
Genetic engineering field test is rooted in the soil of
secrecy. Because of protesters, a veil hangs over crop even
during a press visit By Christian Schw”gerl Frankfurter
Allgemeine Zeitung The green shoots poking out of the brown
soil look just like any other plants you see around... 17 June 2004 The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) called on the Government today to pursue an all-Ireland GM-free policy as part of an integral strategy to leverage the green image of Irish farm produce. ICSA Rural Development Chairman John Heney said our island status provides an unique opportunity for a credible GM-free policy for high value beef and lamb markets. Bloomberg, USA, 17.06.2004 EU Nations Block Imports of
Monsanto's GM Rapeseed European Union governments blocked
the import of a gene-modified rapeseed made by Monsanto
Co., undermining efforts to defuse a trans- Atlantic trade
row over EU biotech-food restrictions. The move by national
environmental regulators comes a month after the European... The Nation (Thailand) June 17, 2004, Thursday LENGTH: 303
words HEADLINE: Suwit questions govt plan to bring in GMOs
BYLINE: The Nation. BODY: Suwit questions govt plan to
bring in GMOs Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Suwit Khunkitti yesterday questioned government plans to
introduce genetically modified agricultural produce, saying... 16 June 2004 Financial Times (London, England), June 16, 2004 SECTION:
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY; Pg. 10, 382 words Growing demand
likely to lift price of cereal Cereal prices could rise and
become more volatile in world markets in 2004/5, the UN
Food and Agriculture Organisation warned yesterday.
Although production of wheat and other cereals is expected... BBC, UK, 16.06.2004 Human embryo clone decision due The
ethics of the procedure are fiercely debated The first
request by British scientists to clone a human embryo is
being considered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority on Wednesday. If the team from Newcastle is
granted a licence, it will open a new era of research by... 11 June 2004 Courier Mail June 11, 2004 SECTION: FINANCE; Pg. 34
LENGTH: 536 words Biotech sector shunned over franken-food
fears BY Liam Walsh COMMUNITY fears about "franken-food"and confusion over regulations have sparked such concerns
in the biotechnology field that investors have shunned the
sector. A government-commissioned report also shows... 9 June 2004 The Irish Times, June 9 2004. By Brandon Glenn. Companies that falsely label food products as being free of genetically modified (GM) ingredients could face prosecution and possible fines, according to the Office of Consumer affairs. Irish Independent, June 8 2004. By Aideen Sheehan. Consumers misled as labels fail to tell truth on GM foods. SOME food companies are refusing to take GM-free labels off their products even though independent tests have revealed they contain genetically modified ingredients. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has warned it is going to ask retailers to stop stocking brands which are misleading consumers. The move follows a survey carried out by the FSAI last year which revealed that a number of food products, most of which were sold in health food stores, contained GM material and that several did so despite labels proclaiming they were GM-free. The New Zealand Herald, June 8, 2004 SECTION: BUSINESS;
Technology; Bio, 799 words Anti-GM views growing in US By
SIMON COLLINS in San Francisco Biotechnology companies are
getting worried that what they call "the European disease"of opposition to genetically modified food is spreading to
the United States. Activists opposing genetic modification... 8 June 2004
Pollution: EU report blasts use of banned drugs in Irish food
Irish Independent, June 7 2004. By Aideen Sheehan, Agriculture Correspondent. BANNED cancer-causing drugs are being used in the production of Irish food and the authorities are failing to test for other dangerous residues, according to the European Commission.
The commission has slated Ireland's performance in testing foodstuffs including meat, fish and vegetables for pesticides and chemicals that could be damaging to consumers.
Of particular concern is the use of the banned carcinogen malachite green on fish farms, which EU veterinary inspectors discovered during a tour to assess how well the country controls the use of harmful chemicals.
"Residue controls in the aquaculture sector demonstrate a number of significant shortcomings,"a recent report by the EU's directorate of health said.
Several drugs not permitted in food-producing animals in the EU are still in use and, with the exception of feed mills, there are no systematic controls to make sure veterinary medicines are used correctly, the report found.
Labour Food Safety spokesperson Dr Mary Upton said the report raised serious questions about the controls on the Irish food chain and Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh must take full responsibility for the laxity highlighted.
"It is not good enough that testing for such chemicals as nitrofurans, streptomycin or malachite green are not carried out. These are banned substances for food use,"she said.
A second inspection last autumn discovered a number of problems with the testing of fruit and vegetables for pesticides.
Less than 20pc of available pesticides are tested for, including some that are of particular toxicological concern.
Junior Agriculture Minister Noel Treacy said some of the criticisms reflected misunderstandings by the EU inspectors and steps were being taken to address the other concerns.
6 June 2004 The Times of India June 5, 2004 LENGTH: 254 words FREE US
FROM BABUS, SAYS GM TASK FORCE The country's first task
force formed to systemise the national approach to
genetically-modified crops has recommended an additional,
immediate infusion of Rs 1,200 crore over three years to
"re-tool"and set the government's policy, research and... 1 June 2004 Phoenix Magazine, Dublin, 21 May 2004. Biodiversity: David Byrne to Dish Up GM Food. The introduction of genetically modified foods into the EU is being facilitated by stealth by the Government and Ireland's EU Commissioner, David Byrne, who holds the portfolio of EU health and Food Safety Commissioner. There has been a moratorium of over five years on the introduction of GM foods into the EU at the behest of Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria and Belgium who supported the ban in 1999. 27 May 2004 The Washington Times, USA, 25.05.2004 Partial surrender
on 'Frankenfood' The European Union recently surrendered to
sound science in the debate over genetically modified foods
(GMOs). Specifically, EU commissioners lifted the six-year
moratorium on GMOs by allowing the Swiss-based Syngenta to
sell its sweet corn. David Byrne, the EU commissioner for.. Agence France Presse May 25, 2004 Tuesday Masked activists
petition WTO to stay out of GM rows by DEBORAH HAYNES A
group of activists wearing chemical protection gear and
face masks handed a petition of more than 106,000 names to
the World Trade Organisation Tuesday, urging it to stay out
of rows over genetically modified (GM) food. About 35... The Toronto Star May 25, 2004 SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A26x
LENGTH: 374 words A growing controversy In its ruling on
patent protection for genetically modified crops, the
Supreme Court of Canada has sown the seeds for an even
bigger battle over bioengineering. Saskatoon farmer Percy
Schmeiser was appealing a lower court judgment that he had... 26 May 2004 German Parliament demands GM labelling at detection level
"Save Our Seeds"welcomes clear German position - sees "breakthrough"in
Europe
25 May 2004 Financial Times May 24, 2004 London Edition 1 SECTION:
COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL; Pg. 25 LENGTH: 411 words UCB seeks
to dispose of chemical arm By DAVID FIRN UCB, the Belgian
pharmaceuticals and chemicals company, is examining a range
of options for the disposal of its chemicals arm following
last week's agreed bid for Celltech, the UK's largest... 23 May 2004 Financial Times (London, England) May 22, 2004 Saturday
London Edition 1 SECTION: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY; Pg. 5
LENGTH: 412 words HEADLINE: Monsanto wins Canadian court
patent victory on modified rapeseed BYLINE: By KEN WARN
DATELINE: TORONTO BODY: In a landmark ruling the Supreme
Court of Canada yesterday upheld US biotechnology group... Channel News Asia, Singapore, 22.05.2004 Canadian farmer
loses biotech fight against Monsanto Related News "Anti-GM
campaigners delighted by Monsanto climbdown MONTREAL : A
Canadian farmer has lost a legal battle against agro-
industrial giant Monsanto which accused him of illegally
growing herbicide resistant rapeseed (canola). Percy... 22 May 2004 Irish Independent, 20 May 2004. By Conor Sweeney and Aideen Sheehan. THE EU lifted its ban on genetically modified food yesterday, ending a five-year moratorium on the products amid criticism from environmentalists.
Tinned sweetcorn is likely to be the first of numerous products that can go on sale, although Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne admitted it has "no benefits"over natural sweetcorn. The Irish Times May 20, 2004 SECTION: CITY EDITION; HOME
NEWS; Pg. 3 HEADLINE: GMO: What is a genetically modified
organism? BYLINE: By DICK AHLSTROM BODY: A GMO is a plant, animal or microbe that carries extra genetic material, usually an extra gene built into the organism to give it new traits. Selective breeding of animals and plants does the same thing but in a slower and far less targeted way.
The ability to engineer an organism comes from our better understanding of the genetic blueprint, DNA, and how it works. Researchers identify a gene giving a useful characteristic in one organism and then transplant it into another organism so it too has this characteristic.
The new BT-11 sweetcorn product approved yesterday by the Commission is an example of this process. It looks and tastes just like ordinary sweetcorn but carries an extra gene taken from a bacterium, Bacillis thuringiensis. This gene produces a naturally occurring insecticide harmful to the highly destructive European corn borer. When the corn grows its leaves and kernels produce the insecticide, making them poisonous to the borer. The substance has no health effects on humans. Belfast Telegraph May 20, 2004 Anger at Euro ruling on GM
maize BYLINE: By Simon Taylor. TWO of
Northern Ireland's prospective MEPs have slammed a decision
by the European Commission which could put genetically
modified sweetcorn on supermarket shelves within months.... THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON) May 20, 2004, Thursday
SECTION: News Pg. 06 HEADLINE: GM sweetcorn given the
go-ahead as Europe bows to the US BYLINE: By Ambrose
Evans-Pritchard in Brussels and Charles Clover BODY: A
SIX-YEAR moratorium on imports of genetically modified
foods was lifted by the European Commission yesterday as it... Financial Express May 20, 2004 HEADLINE: FORTRESS EUROPE
CRUMBLES BODY: The Greens are upset, consumers aghast. But
the deed's been done. On Wednesday, European Commission
bureaucrats overrode opposition from national politicians
and allowed the import of genetically modified corn.
Fortress Europe - having shut out genetically modified... The Guardian (London) - Final Edition May 20, 2004
SECTION: Guardian Home Pages, Pg. 11 HEADLINE: EU approves
GM sweetcorn BYLINE: Ian Sample Science correspondent BODY:
The moratorium on genetically modified food, which has been
in place for nearly six years, was lifted yesterday when
the European commission approved a type of genetically... New Straits Times (Malaysia) May 20, 2004, Thursday
SECTION: Letters; Pg. 13 HEADLINE: Areas where Syngenta can
seek patent protection BYLINE: By Dilip Gokhale BODY: I
REFER to the article entitled "Rice faces patent threat"(NST, April 22). Syngenta will not and cannot patent the
genome itself. The rice genome information does not give... 20 May 2004 Agence France Presse May 18, 2004 Despite protests, EU
gears up to end GM food ban FABRICE RANDOUX BRUSSELS, May 18
The European Union is set Wednesday to defy public opinion
and green campaigners by effectively lifting a
five-year-old ban on bio-engineered food. The European
Commission is expected to approve an application by a Swiss... Financial Times May 19, 2004 Europe Edition 1 SECTION:
COMPANIES ASIA-PACIFIC; Pg. 18 LENGTH: 424 words Syngenta
takes on Chinese in patent disputes By RICHARD MCGREGOR
Syngenta, the Swiss agrichemicals company, is suing a
Chinese competitor for allegedly pirating one of its
patented insecticides, joining a small but growing band of... Planet Ark, USA, 19.05.2004 GM food protesters invade
Sainsbury's HQ Greenpeace activists have invaded the
headquarters of Sainsbury's in a protest over supermarket
sales of milk from animals fed with genetically modified
ingredients. The action at the firm's central London
offices this week was led by a Greenpeace member disguised... 19 May 2004 The Independent May 18, 2004 SECTION: First Edition;
FOREIGN NEWS; Pg. 24 LENGTH: 959 words UN BACKS GM CROPS
DESPITE CONCERNS THAT BENEFITS DO NOT REACH THE WORLD'S POOR
BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY Basic food plants for the poor, the
orphan crops', have received little attention from
scientists; Genetically modified cotton is helping small.. 17 May 2004 The New York Times, May 15, 2004 SECTION: Section C;
Column 3; Business/Financial Desk; Pg. 1; INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS, 965 words Europeans Appear Ready To Approve a
Biotech Corn The European Union appears ready to approve a
genetically engineered corn, ending a six-year moratorium
on approvals for biotechnology crops that led to a bitter... 14 May 2004 Irish Times, 14 May 2004 (by Eithne Donnelan, Health Correspondent. Foods with GM ingredients on sale. Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.
There are about 16 food products on the Irish market with genetically modified ingredients but consumers are unaware of this because it is not mentioned on their labels. The genetically modified ingredients include soya and maize and are mainly found in processed foods, the joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children was told yesterday. Dr Pat O'Mahony, chief specialist, biotechnology, of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said there was no requirement to mention GM content on labels if they made up less than 1 per cent of an ingredient in the product. He said the products were "safe". Committee member Dr Jimmy Devins said it was appalling that there were GM foods on our shelves which were unlabelled and that there was no requirement to mention this on their labels. He also said he was shocked when the committee was told by Ms Roisín Cahillane, assistant principal of the food unit at the Department of Health, that if GM food was fed to a pig, this did not have to be mentioned on the label of the pig meat that finally ended up on a supermarket shelf. The revelations came amid discussions of a plan by the European Commission to give the go-ahead later this year to the Netherlands to market genetically modified sweetcorn for human consumption. If it gives the crop the go ahead it will end a six year moratorium on GM foods being approved within the EU. Asked by Dr Devins what was the advantage of GM foods to consumers, Dr O'Mahony said there was no advantage.
The advantage was for the farmer, he said. The Dáil committee has decided to recommend to both the Department of Health and the European Commission that permission be refused for the marketing of the Dutch sweetcorn. It has also asked for all food stuffs containing GM ingredients to be labelled as such, regardless of how small the GM content.
Agence France Presse May 13, 2004 EU set to lift
five-year-old ban on GM foods: officials BRUSSELS, May 13
The European Union is set next week to lift a five-year-old
ban on bio- engineered food by approving the sale of a
genetically modified corn, officials said Thursday. The
EU's executive commission is likely to vote next Wednesday... The Guardian May 13, 2004 SECTION: Guardian Home Pages,
Pg. 12 LENGTH: 284 words HEADLINE: News Roundup:
Agriculture Dairy farms urged to cut out GM feed BY John
Vidal The British dairy industry, which imports hundreds of
of thousands of tonnes of GM soya and maize for cattle feed
every year, could go com pletely GM-free for less than 1p... Financial Times May 14, 2004 London Edition 2 SECTION:
COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL; Pg. 31 LENGTH: 339 words Syngenta,
Monsanto clash in row over GM suit By JOHN MASON Monsanto,
the US biotech-nology company, was yesterday accused by
Syngenta, its Anglo-Swiss rival, of attempting to
intimidate customers and restrict consumer choice by... The Age May 13, 2004 SECTION: News; Pg. 6 LENGTH: 507
words Monsanto Halts GM Canola Trials BY Melissa Marino
Regional Affairs Reporter International biotech giant
Monsanto will shut down its multimillion- dollar investment
in genetically modified canola in Australia after being
frustrated by state regulations and bans on GM crops. In a... The Australian May 13, 2004 SECTION: LOCAL; Pg. 2 LENGTH:
445 words GM crops reap harvest of opposition from west to
east BYVictoria Laurie TRADITIONAL owners in the West
Kimberley region have closed the door on a proposed
genetically modified cotton industry for Broome, and told
the West Australian Government they will no longer talk to... The Dominion Post May 13, 2004 NEWS Pg. 2 Hunting down
seeds of GM maize LEAH HAINES THE whereabouts of 22,000
genetically modified maize seeds will be known within days,
says the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. But the
Government refused to say yesterday whether farmers would be
compensated if their crops or seeds are destroyed when the... Truth about Trade & Technology, USA, 13.05.2004 GMO
activists wary, optimistic Activists who fight genetically
engineered products are declaring victory after
agricultural giant Monsanto's decision to shelve plans to
launch GE wheat in Canada and United States. But some warn
that the battle over the wheat, and GE crops in general, is... 13 May 2004 The Western Mail (Wales). 11 May 2004. Blair accused on GM agenda. By Steve Dube. PM intervened to hide study findings, say campaigners. Prime Minister Tony Blair has been accused by a Welsh campaign group of promoting corrupt science to farmers and consumers in pursuit of a pro-GM agenda. GM Free Cymru claims Mr Blair intervened personally to silence the research findings of an eminent biologist and nutritionist Arpad Pusztai. Dr Pusztai, author of 12 books and 300 scientific papers, was sacked from his post at the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen University in 1998 after he and his partner Dr Stanley Ewen discovered physiological changes in the internal organs of rats fed on GM potatoes. The changes involved GM material transferring to the gut lining and creating a pre-cancerous state. GM contamination: Enough is Enough. GM Free Cymru press release, 5 May 2004. A Welsh consumer and campaigning group has hit out at the dangerous
complacency of the Government's GM policy, and has demanded an immediate
halt to all GM research until a full expert examination of GM science has
been conducted. Speaking yesterday at The National Assembly of Wales, Ian Panton of GM Free
Cymru said "There can be no compromise when dealing with this outdated and
dangerous technology which is assumed to be safe according to the concept of
substantial equivalence. However, the use of this concept, deemed a SCAM by
Dr Vyvyan Howard, leads to the conclusion that there is no problem when one
compares 2 cows, one with and the other without BSE! 12 May 2004 Financial Times May 12, 2004 London Edition 1 SECTION:
FEATURES; Pg. 13 LENGTH: 464 words Syngenta opens up to
independent scrutiny By ALISON MAITLAND Syngenta, the
Anglo-Swiss agrochemicals group, had no idea that it might
be using child labour in its supply chain until the news
was splashed across the pages of the Swiss Sunday tabloid... The Dominion Post May 12, 2004 SECTION: NEWS Pg. 1 LENGTH:
347 words More GM-contaminated corn seeds found MARTIN KAY
MORE than 22,000 genetically modified corn seeds may have
been planted in New Zealand after an American laboratory
failed to pick up the contamination, according to Green
co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons. The Agriculture and Forestry... DAILY MAIL May 12, 2004 LENGTH: 408 words THE GM SUPERPEST
BY SEAN POULTER SCIENTISTS have warned that GM farming
could create a new generation of 'superbugs' that are
resistant to pesticides. They say such indestructible
insects would devastate both GM and conventional crops.
Their study - led by Professor Bruce Tabashnik, who helped... Planet Ark, USA, 12.05.2004 Environmentalists Rejoice at
Monsanto GM Decision Environmentalists claimed a victory
and the death knell for genetically modified crops on
Tuesday as U.S. chemical giant Monsanto declared it was
giving up on the GM wheat it had hoped would smash consumer
resistance. "This is the end of GM. It is the final nail in... The Dominion Post May 12, 2004 SECTION: NEWS Pg. 6
LENGTH: 161 words Greenpeace protest at McDonald's
Greenpeace protester Gareth Hughes chained himself to the
gates of McDonald's main distribution centre in South
Auckland yesterday. Greenpeace said Mr Hughes was charged
with disorderly conduct by Papakura police after protesting... 11 May 2004 The Guardian (London) May 11 2004. MONSANTO ABANDONS WORLDWIDE GM WHEAT PROJECT. By Paul Brown, Environment correspondent. Monsanto has abandoned plans to introduce GM wheat on to the world market despite spending seven years and hundreds of millions of dollars developing the crop. The decision, announced yesterday, is a major fillip for the anti-GM lobby and follows pressure from US and Canadian farmers who feared the introduction of GM wheat would lead to the collapse of their billion-dollar markets in Europe and Japan. Monsanto, the world's biggest seller of GM seeds, had looked to the development and introduction of GM wheat to fulfil a dream of dominating the world's bread market. The company had proved that GM wheat increased yields by 5% to 15% but consumer resistance to the idea of eating GM bread - particularly in Europe - meant the biggest part of the US export market would disappear overnight. The Guardian (London) May 11 2004. By Patrick Barrett. Consumers send 'warning sign' to US brands. US brands such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Nike are being hit by declining respect for US cultural values, exacerbated by the crisis in Iraq, research has revealed. Declining respect for American cultural values exacerbated by the crisis in Iraq is having a potentially disastrous effect on the image of US brands such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Nike and Microsoft, a new worldwide study of consumer attitudes has found. The number of people who like and use US branded products has fallen significantly over the past year, while brands perceived to be non-American have remained relatively stable. Financial Times May 11, 2004 London Edition 2 SECTION:
INTERNATIONAL NEWS; Pg. 7 LENGTH: 372 words Monsanto blames
farmers for end to GM wheat research By JOHN MASON
Monsanto, the US bio-technology company, yesterday shelved
plans to introduce genetically modified wheat into world
markets after admitting there was too little demand from... The Associated Press State & Local Wire May 10, 2004
SECTION: Business News; State and Regional LENGTH: 693 words
Praise for Monsanto decision to suspend biotech wheat
development By DALE WETZEL, Associated Press Writer
Monsanto Co. is avoiding possible conflicts with farmers
and overseas wheat customers by halting its development of... CNN, USA, 09.05.2004 Greenpeace activists prevent soybean
loading Group stops mixing of genetically altered, natural
beans on ship Sunday, May 9, 2004 Posted: 0007 GMT (0807
HKT) A Greenpeace activist hangs from a ship loader
Saturday in Paranagua, Brazil. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP)
-- A freighter left Brazil's southern port of Paranagua on... Why China gives green light to US GMOs? BEIJING, May 3
(Xinhuanet) -- China has issued final safety certificates
for the importation of five varieties of American
genetically modified (GM) products last February, which has
aroused some organizations' concern over why China gives a
green light to the US GM organisms (GMOs). According to... 10 May 2004 The Guardian (London) - Final Edition, May 7, 2004
SECTION: Guardian Foreign Pages, Pg. 16, 442 words Secret
German GM crop trials revealed: Half the country is
experimenting, says minister Seven of Germany's 16 states
were revealed to be hosting secret trials of genetically
modified crops after environmental activists destroyed a... Science and Development Network, 07.05.2004 Chinese
public wants labelling of GM food Protesters blindfold
themselves while holding food which has been found to
contain GM ingredients. Hepeng Jia 7 May 2004 Source:
SciDev.Net Chinese consumers would like more information
about whether the food they buy contains genetically... 6 May 2004 Deutsche Welle, Germany, 06.05.2004 GM Crop Trials
Underway Throughout Environmentalists say GM crops are
unsafe A field with genetically-modified wheat was
destroyed by hoe-toting vandals Tuesday night. The local
government responded with the revelation that GM crops are
being tested in no less than seven of Germany's 16 states.... The Hindu, India, 06.05.2004 Swaminathan panel flayed for
ambiguity The Swaminathan panel's suggestion to vest powers
with the Union Agriculture Ministry and Indian Council of
Agricultural Research for the final clearance of commercial
cultivation of transgienic crops till the autonomous
Agricultural Biotechnology Regulatory Authority was set up,... XINHUA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE May 5, 2004 UN agency
criticized for pushing GM food aid in Africa JOHANNESBURG A
United Nations food-aid agency has been criticized by
Africa's nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for pushing
genetically modified (GM) food aid in African countries.
More than 60 NGOs from 15 African countries have sent an... Press Association May 5, 2004 MPs CHALLENGE GM CROPS MOVE
James Lyons, Political Correspondent, PA News The decision
to allow genetically modified crops to be grown in Britain
was today being challenged by senior MPs. Ministers
sanctioned commercial production of the controversial crops
against the advice of the Commons Environmental Audit... Press Association May 5, 2004 SAFETY PARAMOUNT ON GM
CROPS, SAYS MINISTER John-Paul Ford Rojas, PA News Food
safety and environmental impact were "absolutely paramount"in the Government's approach on genetically-modified crops,
Environment Minister Elliot Morley told MPs tonight. He
acknowledged concerns over the "contentious"and... 5 May 2004 Agence France Presse May 4, 2004 "Let him eat bread":
Canadian PM faces doughy protest Canada's Prime Minister
Paul Martin was warned Tuesday his election hopes may be
toast, unless he heeds a quirky campaign against
genetically engineered wheat. Anti-biotech activists
encouraged Canadians to mail a slice of bread to the prime... XINHUA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE May 4, 2004 Nigeria launches
biotechnology project to improve agriculture Nigeria
launched a three-year biotechnology project on agriculture
Monday in a bid to achieve food security and boost yield,
the Guardian newspaper reported Tuesday. The report said
the Nigerian Agriculture Biotechnology Project (NABP) got... 4 May 2004 EUBUSINESS, UK, 04.05.2004 Petition calls for strict
labelling of genetically modified seeds European Union
Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstroem was Monday
handed a 200,000 signature petition calling for the
strictest possible labelling of genetically modified (GM)
seeds. The initiative, by a group calling itself "Save Our... Associated Press Worldstream May 3, 2004 Greenpeace stops
ship carrying genetically modified soybeans A Greenpeace
activist stopped a ship Monday that was carrying
genetically modified soybeans into the southern port of
Paranagua. The Global Wind arrived Saturday from Argentina
loaded 30,000 metric tons of genetically modified soybeans.... Forbes, USA, 04.05.2004 Greenpeace bars Argentine GMO soy
from Brazil port Environmental activist group Greenpeace
said Monday some of its members prevented a cargo ship
carrying genetically modified Argentine soybeans from
topping off its load in Paranagua, Brazil's main grain
port, which has banned GMO soybeans. "Greenpeace will not... Truth About Trade & Techonology, USA, 04.05.2004 China
and US GMO approval China has issued final safety
certificates for the importation of five varieties of
American genetically modified (GM) products last February,
which has aroused some organizations' concern over why
China gives a green light to the US GM organisms (GMOs).... 30 April 2004 The Guardian (London) April 29, 2004, SECTION: Pg. 10, 418 words. US seeks $ 1.8bn compensation from Europe over GM ban
The United States has demanded that the European Union
abandon its ban on the growing of genetically modified
crops and pay at least $ 1.8bn in compensation for loss of
exports over the past six years. The challenge is outlined... Reuters, 29 April 2004. LUXEMBOURG - A meeting of EU farm ministers ended in deadlock this week on whether to approve a new genetically modified food, clearing the way for the EU Commission to approve it and end a ban of more than five years on new GM foods. Farm ministers could not agree to approve a maize variety known as Bt-11, marketed by Swiss agrochemicals company Syngenta (SYNN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) . The Commission has said it will approve it if ministers fail to do so.
The European Commission has the legal power to rubberstamp a request for imports of the GM maize. The last approval for any GM product was in October 1998 for a type of carnation. The last food product to be approved, a type of maize, was in April that year.
"The Commission will most likely approve it,"Beate Gminder, Commission spokeswoman for food safety, told Reuters.
There is no time limit for this, but officials say Commission approval is likely in a matter of a few weeks.
The ending of the biotech ban is likely to be welcomed by the EU's major trading partners, such as the United States, which, along with Argentina and Canada, have challenged the EU ban on GM foods at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Environmental groups are fiercely opposed to the lifting of the ban, citing safety concerns. Polls have also shown that most consumers are opposed to biotech foods in Europe.
"Our governments are being asked to wave through a highly controversial GMO under pressure from the European Commission and biotech firms supported by the U.S. government,"said Eric Gall of environmental group Greenpeace.
"Ministers should instead stand up for consumers, reject Bt-11 and take action to tighten up the current slack evaluation procedures,"he added in a statement before the ministers' meeting. 29 April 2004 Illawara Mercury, Australia, 28.04.2004 Pt Kembla protest
skipper arrested By MEGAN LEVY THE captain of the
Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior was arrested and
charged early yesterday after a tense six-hour stand-off
with police in Port Kembla Harbour. Water police boarded
the ship and took veteran activist Derek Nicholls to Port... GM opposition grows in China Wednesday 28 April 2004
Consumers and manufacturers in the worldÇs largest food
market, China, are becoming increasingly dismissive of
genetically modified foods and ingredients, according to
research by Greenpeace. The "ShoppersÇ Guide to Avoiding GE
(genetically engineered) Food", recently published in China... Al Jazeera, Qatar, 27.04.2004 Chinese search for super
rice recipe Scientists can combine genes from maize to
daffodils Yuan Longping, China's father of hybrid rice, is
now experimenting with genes that could help tackle a
looming rice shortage now worrying the country's leaders.
His goal is to create a super-strain with vastly augmented.. 28 April 2004 The Guardian, UK, 27.04.2004 Farming ministers get caught
in the maize Europe may soon be stocking its first
genetically modified food in six years, ending a moratorium
that has kept new biotech crops and products out of the EU
since 1998. Canned maize is likely to be approved for sale
within weeks because of the failure yesterday of EU... Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia); April 27, 2004
Tuesday; SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 9; LENGTH: 141 words HEADLINE:
Greenpeace blocks port; BODY:GREENPEACE campaigners on board
their flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, last night blockaded a
Sydney port hoping to prevent from sailing to Melbourne a
container ship they said was carrying genetically... AAP NEWSFEED; April 27, 2004; Domestic News; 253 words;
HEADLINE: NSW: Rainbow Warrior captain arrested after
protest blockade; DATELINE: SYDNEY, April 27; BODY: The New
Zealand captain of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior
has been arrested after a protest action at a port south of
Sydney early today. Police said the captain would be taken... Agence France Presse; April 27, 2004 Tuesday 9:14 PM
Eastern Time; International News; 290 words HEADLINE:
Australia seizes Greenpeace ship over anti-GE protest;
DATELINE: SYDNEY, April 27 BODY:Australian police arrested
the captain of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior
early Tuesday after the vessel blockaded a harbor to... The Age, Australia, 27.04.2004 Rainbow Warrior skipper
charged The New Zealand captain of the Greenpeace flagship
Rainbow Warrior was charged over a protest action at a port
south of Sydney. NSW Police Superintendent Terry Dalton,
from the NSW Police Marine Command Area, said the Rainbow
Warrior entered Port Kembla's inner harbour about 5pm... 27 April 2004 Financial Times, April 26, 2004 487 words EU poised to
allow sale of GM maize The European Union is close to
ending its six-year moratorium on genetically modified food,
with the expected approval for the sale of a type of maize
produced by Syngenta, the Swiss company. EU agriculture
ministers will decide today whether the maize, called BT-... Financial Express, April 26, 2004, 1023 words EXPERTS
WELCOME INTERNATIONAL SEED TREATY A debate has begun on the
implications of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic
Resouces on Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), which comes
into effect from June 29 this year. While many have
welcomed the treaty as a step forward in fulfilling the... Financial Express, India; April 26, 2004; 915 words;
'TREATY SHOULD SCRAP PATENTS ON 64 MAJOR FOOD CROPS' The
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resource for Food and
Agriculture will become a law from June 29 since already 48
countries, including India, have ratified it. The US and 47
other nations have signed the treaty but have not ratified... 26 April 2004 The New York Times, April 21, 2004, 438 words
Modified-Food Labeling Begins in Europe ALL food sold in
the European Union with genetically modified ingredients
must now say so on the label, under rules that went into
effect on Sunday. Any restaurant serving genetically
engineered food must identify it on the menu. Europe has... Chicago Tribune April 25, 2004 Sunday Chicago Final
Edition SECTION: NEWS ; ZONE C; Pg. 1 LENGTH: 1621 words
HEADLINE: Altered corn ignites furor in Mexico BYLINE: By
Hugh Dellios, Tribune foreign correspondent. DATELINE:
CAPULALPAN, Mexico BODY: Olga Toro couldn't resist planting
a few kernels of the corn she purchased at the government... Tizwinw, New Zealand, 21.04.2004 Ronald McDonald quits
over GE chicken feed Ronald McDonald entered the Queen
Street branch of McDonalds today and handed in his
resignation. The dramatic action was taken by the infamous
fast food clown in protest at McDonalds use of chicken fed
on genetically engineered (GE) soy meal. "I'm so upset to... Mice created without fathers The scientists combined two
sets of chromosomes from different eggs Scientists have
created two female mice without fertilising the eggs they
grew from, the journal Nature says. The eggs had two sets
of chromosomes from two female mice, rather than one from
the mother and one from the father as in a fertilised... Washington Times, US, 22.04.2004 A brighter Earth Day . .
.
The first Earth Day celebration was conceived by then U.S.
Sen. Gaylord Nelson and held in 1970 as a "symbol of
environmental responsibility and stewardship."In the
spirit of the time, it was a touchy-feely,... 23 April 2004 Irish Times, April 23, 2004. WHY IRELAND MUST REFUSE THE GMO DIKTAT. By Danny Cohn-Bendit, MEP (Leader of the Greens / EFA group in the European Parliament. Irish Times, April 23, 2004. DONEAVY LEADS FIELD WITH A GM-FREE FARM. By Nick O'Donohue. 19 April 2004 Agence France Presse, April 18, 2004 EU rules on GM food
labelling come into force The new European Union rules on
labelling and tracing genetically modified (GM) foods came
into force on Sunday, in what could pave the way towards
lifting a five- year EU ban on bio-engineered crops.
Consumer rights and environmental groups have welcomed the... 18 April 2004 Irish Independent, April 16 2004. By Clodagh Sheehy. The Guardian, April 16, 2004 GM soya 'miracle' turns sour
in Argentina Seven years after GM soya was introduced to
Argentina as an economic miracle for poor farmers,
researchers claim it is causing an environmental crisis,
damaging soil bacteria and allowing herbicide-resistant
weeds to grow out of control. Soya has become the cash crop... ENVIRONMENT: GM CROPS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE SCIENTISTS WARN
(ANSA) - LONDON, April 16 - South America's adventure in the
world of genetically modified crops is rapidly turning into
a real nightmare highlighted by Argentina where the
indiscriminate use of herbicides is rapidly destroying
crops bordering fields where genetically modified (GM)... Greenwire, April 16, 2004 BIOTECH: NEW E.U. GM FOOD
LABELING REGS TO START SUNDAY With the first genetically
modified products hitting store shelves in Europe, biotech
firms are hoping consumers will shrug off years of protests
and warnings about "Frankenfood."New European Union regulations taking effect Sunday... 16 April 2004 DAILY MAIL (London); April 15, 2004; 787 words; Tim Utton
Science Reporter HEADLINE: NIGHTMARE OF THE GM WEEDS. A
country which pioneered GM farming has become a stark
warning of the disaster that can result, scientists claim
today. Argentina has suffered an environ-mental crisis with
'superweeds' overrunning the countryside and farmers... 14 April 2004 Irish Times, April 14 2004. GREENS CLAIM GM FOOD BAN WILL BE LIFTED. By Séan Mac Connell, Agriculture Correspondent. The Irish Government and its EU Commissioner, Mr David Byrne, have been accused by the European Green Party leader, Mr Danny Cohn-Bendit, of being anti-consumer and pro-industry. The accusations were made by Mr Cohn-Bendit at a conference on food organised by the party in Dublin Castle yesterday.
United Press International April 11, 2004California blocks
GM rice The California Department of Food and Agriculture
has blocked a plan to plant genetically engineered rice in
the state. Ventria Bioscience had hoped to plant by May 1,
making its rice crop the nation's first crop bioengineered
for use in the pharmaceutical industry, the San Francisco... Courier Mail (Queensland, Australia), April 13, 2004, 478
words GM cotton trials for struggling sugar belt CANE
farmers say they could have approvals within a week to test
genetically modified cotton on the Burdekin River despite a
ban on commercial planting in northern Australia.
Genetically modified cotton was a viable option for... New Straits Times (Malaysia) April 11, 2004 SECTION:
Business; Money game; Pg. 13 Turning agriculture into a
money-spinner By P. Y. Chin TAN Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who
got down to business the day after he was sworn in to head
the enlarged Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based
Industries, is set to make the sector a money-spinner. For... 10 April 2004 The Advertiser, April 9, 2004, 441 words GM crops debate
is harvest of confusion LOBBYISTS of all persuasions must
be envious of the success of the anti- GM movement, which
has managed to convince governments around the country to
impose an indefinite ban on the commercialisation of
genetically modified canola. This despite the varieties... 9 April 2004 Irish Times, Dublin, 8 May 2004. Biodiversity: Minister rejects calls to ban sale and production of GM food. By Marie O'Halloran. Calls for the Government to specifically ban the production and sale of genetically modified produce through legislation before the D·il, were rejected by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh. He said that while he accepted the concerns of the Opposition, An Bord Bia (Amendment) Bill was not the appropriate way to deal with the issue. The Bill provides for the amalgamation of An Bord Bia and An Bord Glas. The issue was raised by Sinn FÈin's agriculture spokesman, Mr Martin Ferris, who said Britain intended to open its markets to genetically modified produce. "That will be detrimental to the industry on this island in the long-term and to the status Irish produce enjoys internationally from a safety and production point of view."Starvation did not have anything to do with the production of genetically modified food, but with its distribution and control by multinational companies. He said there should be a "push to create and promote GM-free zones on the island of Ireland". The Green Party's spokesman, Mr Dan Boyle said his party opposed the Bill. "We do not believe the proposed amalgamation is necessary. We also believe the reasons for it put forward by the Government, are spurious."There was a need to maintain separate bodies, particularly Bord Glas to represent the "Cinderella"sectors of the market, particularly horticulture.
Supporting the Sinn FÈin amendment to ban GM produce, Mr Boyle said the UK had conducted trials for several years on GM products and these were proving inconclusive. "I suspect they are inconclusive because they are not producing the results the Government seeks."Mr Walsh said the issue of genetically modified food was a matter for the Food Safety Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Bill aimed to merge two agencies and the reasons for this was to give both organisations a "better opportunity to do a better job in promoting Irish food". MX (Melbourne, Australia) April 6, 2004 Tuesday SECTION:
NEWS; Pg. 4 LENGTH: 56 words HEADLINE: Greenpeace puts
patent protest on ice BODY: Baby dolls frozen into blocks
of ice are seen barring the entrance to the European Patent
office in Munich, southern Germany, where Greenpeace
activists protest against the first licence on human... 8 April 2004 China Daily; April 6, 2004; 1703 words US agriculture
leaders made a breakthrough in China last February: The
Chinese Government finally issued safety certificates for
the importation of five varieties of US genetically
modified (GM) products. According to China's Ministry of
Agriculture, all five varieties - one strain of soybean,... 5 April 2004 Washington Post, USA, 03.04.04 India OKs Genetically
Modified Cotton By S. SRINIVASAN The Associated Press
Friday, April 2, 2004; 2:07 PM BANGALORE, India - India has
approved a fourth strain of genetically modified cotton
seed using technology licensed from U.S.-based Monsanto Co.
for cultivation and sale in parts of India, despite... Business Day (South Africa) April 2, 2004 SECTION: Science
& Technology; Pg. 5 Monsanto maize takes root in SA Tamar
Kahn Monsanto maize takes root in SA Cape Correspondent
CAPE TOWN - US-based seed giant Monsanto has launched a new
variety of genetically engineered maize on to the South
African market, making it the first company to provide... All Africa, Africa, 03.04.04 Triumph of Dogma COLUMN
March 30, 2004 Posted to the web April 2, 2004 Dick Taverne
Many green activists oppose genetically modified (GM) crops
on principle. It is difficult to understand what the
principle is, since they do not campaign against the
production of drugs by genetic modification. Yet the same... 3 April 2004 Business Report, South Africa, 02.04.2004 GM maize to keep on doubling Johannesburg - The proportion of South Africa's
maize crop that is genetically modified (GM) would double
this year and next, and was likely to make up more than
half of the total in five years' time, an industry expert
said. Wynand van der Walt, who consults for biotech... Planet Ark, USA, 01.04.2004 US court revives Bayer case
against Monsanto A U.S. appeals court this week revived
Bayer BioScience's patent claims in a legal dispute with
rival Monsanto Co. (MON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) over
technology Monsanto uses in its insect-resistant corn. The
ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit... Planet Ark, USA, 02.04.2004 Monsanto quarterly profit
rises on seed sales KANSAS CITY - Agrochemical company
Monsanto Co. (MON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) this week
posted a higher quarterly profit on increased corn seed
sales and higher revenue from its biotech products. Sales
of seeds sold under brand names surged in the United States,... 30 March 2004 Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia) March 29 SECTION:
OPINION; Pg. 19 HEADLINE: Bracks sowing GM seeds of doubt
BYLINE: Jennifer Marohasy IF the Bracks Government was
honest, it would tell us the real reason it announced the
ban on the commercial planting of genetically modified
canola. Instead of being honest, however, the State... 27 March 2004 Terra Daily Resistance in Canada to GM wheat heats up
MONTREAL (AFP) Mar 25, 2004 Canada's resistance to growing
genetically modified wheat is intensifying, with the
nation's wheat export agency, ecologists and many growers
warning of a "terrible disaster"for the nation's
agricultural industry. "The greatest threat to wheat... The Age, Australia, 26.03.2004 State extends GM ban and
is accused of backward step; By Richard Baker State
Political Reporter The Victorian Government yesterday
extended the ban on the commercial planting of genetically
modified crops until 2008, but will consider allowing small
trials for research purposes. Premier Steve Bracks said he... The New Zealand Herald March 25, 2004 NEWS; General 449
words Iowa leader backs US-NZ 'pharma-crop' tie-in BYLINE:
By SIMON COLLINS science reporter BODY: A man who might be
the next Vice-President of the United States would like to
see New Zealand growing genetically modified "pharma-crops"in the American off-season. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, one... Swissinfo, Switzerland, 26.03.2004; Greenpeace activists
occupy GM crop field swissinfo March 26, 2004 11:23 AM
Greenpeace activists ringed the field with white sheets and
chained themselves to fencing. They hung banners
proclaiming, "Stop genetically modified wheat". They also
called on the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich,... Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Switzerland March 26, 2004, 12:45
Greenpeace activists occupy GM crop field Around 40
Greenpeace activists have occupied a field in northern
Switzerland - site of the country's first outdoor trial of
genetically modified (GM) wheat. The protesters are calling
for the experiment to be scrapped, claiming it poses a risk... 25 March 2004 AAP NEWSFEED March 23 Tasmania to follow WA in GMO ban
Tasmania will follow Western Australia in banning
genetically-modified (GM) food crops. WA, the nation's
biggest crop producing state, yesterday became the first to
introduce an outright ban on GM crops. Most other states
have moratoriums in place. WA Premier Geoff Gallop said the... The New Zealand Herald March 24, 2004 SECTION: BUSINESS;
World; Australia Western Australia bans all GM crops
BYLINE: By MICHAEL BYRNES Australia's largest state,
Western Australia, says it will ban the growing of all
genetically modified (GM) crops. The state is a major
producer of wheat, barley, canola and pulses. Australia so... Financial Times (London, England) March 24, 2004 London
Edition 1 SECTION: COMPANIES ASIA-PACIFIC; Pg. 27 Monsanto
arm in bribes probe BYLINE: By SHAWN DONNAN and TAUFAN
HIDAYAT DATELINE: JAKARTA Monsanto, the US agricultural
biotechnology group, faces millions in possible fines after
announcing that its Indonesian subsidiary was at the centre... 23 March 2004 The Age (Melbourne) March 22, 2004 SECTION: News; Leaders;
Pg. 10 Time For A Decision On Growing GM Crops Victoria
should not extend the moratorium on genetically modified
canola. Last July, gene technology researcher and president
of the Australian Academy of Science, Jim Peacock, gave a
speech in which he accused state governments of hypocrisy... China Daily March 22 NEW IMPORT SOURCE FOR SOYBEANS
SUGGESTED BODY: Many Chinese buyers are considering
shifting to soybeans from South America because US soybeans
are becoming more expensive, but they fear the slow Brazil
application process will limit imports from that country. A
trader from China National Cereals Oils and Foodstuff... 20 March 2004 XINHUA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE THE MATERIALS IN THE XINHUA
FILE WERE COMPILED BY THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY.March 18,
2004, Thursday SECTION: WORLD NEWS; SCIENCE, CULTURAL,
EDUCATION, HEALTH LENGTH: 227 words HEADLINE: Angolan gov't
against import of genetically modified products DATELINE:
LUANDA, March 18 BODY: Angolan Minister of Agriculture and... Financial Times (London, England) March 19, 2004 Friday
London Edition 2 SECTION: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY; Pg. 12
Monsanto sees seeds of food revolution in Europe: Some
manufacturers who rejected genetically modified products
are starting to show renewed interest, say John M BYLINE:
By DAVID FIRN and JOHN MASON The food industry is showing... 19 March 2004 Irish Times, March 18, Dublin. GM crops unlikely to be grown here soon. By Seén Mac Connell.
Ireland's "positive but precautionary"approach to genetically modified
foods is unlikely to lead to GM crops being grown here in the near future,
according to Government sources. The issue of GMO crops being grown here follows the decision in Britain to allow GM forage maize to be grown there following an EU decision to allow
member-states decide on the issue nationally. While Irish Department of the Environment officials voted with the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Finland and Sweden to authorise the importation of a
modified strain of sweetcorn, Bt11, the matter has been referred for decision to the Farm Ministers meeting on April 26th next. If the Farm Council decides to authorise importation of the sweetcorn, it
will clear the way for greater imports of GM foods when strict new EU rules on labelling GM foods come into place later this month. The Department of Agriculture and Food said yesterday that an
inter-departmental group is currently involved in drawing up a protocol for the co-existence of GM and conventional crops but no time-limit has been placed on completing this report. No applications have been made to the Environment Protection Agency for the licence necessary to grow a GM crop.
The chemical company, Monsanto, has grown some trial crops of beet in Munster but no more trials have taken place since they were attacked some years ago. Industry sources said growing GM crops here would not rest easily alongside our marketing strategy of selling Ireland as "the Green Island".
18 March 2004 ABC, Australia, 18.03.04 GM could help plants adapt to
global warming: expert Genetic engineering might offer a
way of reducing the impact of global warming on indigenous
species of plants and trees, a scientist says. Simon
Thornton-Wood, head of science at Britain's Royal
Horticultural Society (RHS), says genetic modification (GM)... 17 March 2004 Financial Times (London, England) March 17, 2004 London
Edition 1 SECTION: COMMENT; Pg. 19 A rich crop of cynicism,
greed and mistrust JOHN KAY BYLINE: By JOHN KAY BODY: Last
week, the government announced that it would approve a
strain of genetically modified maize, but would not allow
the planting of similarly modified oilseed rape or sugar... New Straits Times (Malaysia) March 16, 2004, Tuesday
SECTION: Earth matters; Pg. 5 Standing up for the truth
about GM food BYLINE: By Sarah Sabaratnam BODY: A PROMINENT
scientist and his wife tell SARAH SABARATNAM about their
study on genetically-modified food and what happened when
they went public with the results. IN 1998, Dr Arpad... Foodbiz, New Zealand, 17.03.04 Monsanto apply to have GE
wheat allowed in NZ food Monsanto has applied to Food
Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to allow
genetically engineered wheat to be introduced into the New
Zealand food chain. GE wheat has not been approved for
human consumption anywhere in the world, although similar... 16 March 2004 Irish Independent March 16, 2004 LENGTH: 115 words
HEADLINE: BACKBENCH FURY OVER GM FOODS DEBATE BODY:
GOVERNMENT backbencher Michael Mulcahy has challenged his
own partyand their PD partners to "come clean"on the
emotive issue of genetically modified foods. Furious at
what he sees as government capitulation at EU level to the... Reuters, UK, 15.03.04 Genetic Engineering Is Next Doping
Threat Mon Mar 15, 2004 08:02 PM ET By Patricia Reaney
LONDON (Reuters) - Back in the depths of time athletes used
ginseng, opium and steroids from sheep testicles to enhance
their performance. Anabolic steroids made their debut in
sport in the 1940s and 50s and chemical agents followed.... The New Zealand Herald March 16, 2004 Rubicon retreats in
face of GM cost BYLINE: By SIMON COLLINS, science reporter
BODY: One of New Zealand's best-financed biotechnology
companies, Rubicon, says regulatory costs and "greenies"have driven its research into genetically modified pine
trees out of the country. Rubicon vice-president Bruce.. The Nation (Thailand) March 16, 2004 LENGTH: 432 words
Greenpeace submits GMO-labelling petition The Nation.
Greenpeace submits GMO-labelling petition Environmental
group Green-peace yesterday demanded that the Public Health
Ministry tighten regulations on the labelling of food
containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to mark... 12 March 2004 BBC, UK, 12.03.04 GM crop planting probe announced Legal
responsiblity for any cross-contamination will be looked at
A parliamentary inquiry has been ordered into the
government's decision to approve the first commercial
planting of GM crops in the UK. The Commons environment
committee is to investigate the implications of the move to...
The Associated Press March 12, 2004, Friday, BC cycle
Genetically modified corn threatens Mexico's native
species, NAFTA study says BYLINE: By WILL WEISSERT,
Associated Press Writer DATELINE: OAXACA, Mexico BODY: If
left unchecked, modified genes spread by imported U.S.
biotech corn threaten to displace or contaminate native... Business Day (South Africa) March 11, 2004, Opinion &
Editorial; Pg. 11, 959 words; Reappraisal of modified crops
a must BYLINE: Ruth Rabinowitz BODY: BIOTECHNOLOGY IN SA /
Reappraisal of modified crops a must THERE are more than
12259 plants and animals threatened with extinction,
according to the latest Red List published by the... 10 March 2004 Reuters, 10 March 2004. LONDON - Britain gave a thumbs up yesterday for commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) maize, risking a backlash from environmentalists and a sceptical public despite setting strict conditions. Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett told parliament the government would agree "in principle"to commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize but said it did not expect any to be grown for at least a year. "There is no scientific case for a blanket approval of all the uses of GM,"she said. "Safety, human health and the environment must remain at the heart of our regulatory regime. The Guardian (London) March 9, 2004 Guardian Leader Pages,
Pg. 23 Starved of the truth: George Monbiot Biotech firms
are out to corner the market, so they have to persuade us
something else is at stake The question is as simple as
this: do you want a few corporations to monopolise the
global food supply? If the answer is yes, you should... Press Association March 9, 2004 'GM INDUSTRY MUST PAY FOR
CROP CONTAMINATION' PA News Reporter Environment Secretary
Margaret Beckett was expected to tell MPs today that the
Government backs controversial genetically modified maize
crops. Her statement is believed to fall short of
authorising immediate planting and will apparently make it... 8 March 2004 Independent on Sunday (7 March 2004). Revealed: Shocking new evidence of the dangers of GM crops. Genetically modified strains have contaminated two-thirds of all crops in US
By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor. More than two-thirds of conventional crops in the United States are now contaminated with genetically modified material - dooming organic agriculture and posing a severe future risk to health - a new report concludes. The report - which comes as ministers are on the verge of approving the planting of Britain's first GM crop, maize - concludes that traditional varieties of seed are "pervasively contaminated"by genetically engineered DNA. The US biotech industry says it is "not surprised"by the findings. Independent (6 March 2004). MPs revolt against GM plans
By Marie Woolf, Chief Political Correspondent. Plans for the first commercial GM crops to be cultivated in Britain are irresponsible, MPs said yesterday in a Commons report which said more tests were needed before planting. MPs on the Environmental Audit Select Committee cast severe doubts on the farm-scale trials of GM crops, which have formed the basis for the Government's decision to grant approval for commercial planting of GM maize. They warned that trials of the crop were profoundly flawed and "the results cannot be regarded as adequate grounds for a decision to be taken in favour of commercialisation"....
MEXICO CITY, Mar 3 (IPS) - The United Nations Environment Programme warned Wednesday in Mexico that transgenic crops could pose a threat to biodiversity and human health, and recommended that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean act with caution in using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Sydney Morning Herald, Online, Farms risk fines for stray
crops By Stephanie Peatling, Environment Reporter March 6,
2004; Farmers who find their crops have become accidentally
contaminated by genetically modified varieties could be
held responsible for copyright breach and face financial
penalties. Instead of the manufacturers being liable for... Reuters, UPDATE 1-UK minister rejects challenge on biotech
crops Fri Mar 5, 2004 08:12 AM ET Printer (Recasts, releads
with minister's response) By David Cullen LONDON, March 5
(Reuters) - UK Environment Minister Elliot Morley rejected
calls by a powerful all-party parliamentary panel on Friday
for more safety testing of genetically modified (GM) crops.... Guardian Online, 05.03.2004; 11.30am update Special
report: green politics MPs: no GM crops without further
trials Matthew Tempest and agencies Friday March 5, 2004 No
genetically modified crops should be grown in Britain
without years of further trials, a committee of MPs
insisted today. The environmental audit committee,... Reuters, 04 Mar 2004 21:20:23 GMT U.S. sets up panel to
prevent biotech abuse By Maggie Fox, Health and Science
Correspondent WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - The U.S.
government set up a special advisory board on Thursday to
recommend ways to keep legitimate scientific research from
being turned to terrorist or warfare uses. Experts have... SeedQuest, USA, 05.03.2004, Clear legal situation on
field trials : Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
plans field trials using transgenic wheat Switzerland March
4, 2004 ETH Zurich plans to conduct field trials with
transgenic wheat this year. Though the Swiss Federal
Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and... 5 March 2004 IPS, 03.03.2004, Online, LATIN AMERICA: UNEP Regional
Office Urges Caution on Transgenics Diego Cevallos MEXICO
CITY, Mar 3 (IPS) - The United Nations Environment Programme
warned Wednesday in Mexico that transgenic crops could pose
a threat to biodiversity and human health, and recommended
that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean act... The Philippine STAR, Philippines, 04.03.2004 Who will pay
for the damage? By Rocel C. Felix Environmental groups are
increasingly getting worried. While more nations are
adopting genetically engineered biotechnology, there is no
system in place that answers the issue of liability and
redress in cases of genetically modified organisms (GMO)... 4 March 2004 Planet Ark, BELGIUM: March 3, 2004, EU food agency says
Monsanto GM rapeseed safe BRUSSELS - The EU's food safety
agency gave a clean bill of health this week to a type of
genetically modified rapeseed made by U.S. biotech giant
Monsanto, deeming it safe to be consumed by humans and
animals. But the positive assessment by the European Food.. Inter Press Service News Agency, India, 02.03.04
ENVIRONMENT: Eyeing Markets, India Pulls Punches on
Biosafety - Activists Ranjit Devraj NEW DELHI, Mar 2 (IPS)
- India has agreed to soften international protections
against plant contamination, in a bid to enhance commercial
prospects for genetically modified (GM) crops that... The Guardian (London) March 3, 2004 SECTION: Guardian
Foreign Pages, Pg. 16 LENGTH: 809 words HEADLINE: Filipino
islanders blame GM crop for mystery sickness: Monsanto
denies scientist's claim that maize may have caused 100
villagers to fall ill BYLINE: John Aglionby in Kalyong,
southern Philippines BODY: The recently planted rows of... DAILY MAIL (London) March 3, 2004; GM GO-AHEAD MUST BE PUT
ON HOLD, MPS TO WARN BLAIR BYLINE: James Chapman Political
Correspondent BODY: TONY Blair's plans to approve the
growing of genetically-modified crops in Britain are about
to be dealt a shattering blow by MPs, it emerged last night.
One of the most powerful committees of the House of Commons... 26 February 2004 Green Consumer Guide, UK, Online, Wednesday 25 February
2004; China adopts biosafety treatyThe government of China
has announced plans to ratify the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety, which regulates the international trade of
genetically modified organisms. China's participation in
the agreement is particularly significant, given the... Yahoo, USA, 24.02.04 Environment groups continue to
attack GM foods Tue Feb 24, 7:42 AM ET KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) -
Environmental groups said new studies show
genetically-modified (GM) foods pose serious health threats
to humans as an international meeting here continued to
debate labeling GM products. AFP/File Photo Jeffrey Smith,... New Straits Times (Malaysia) February 25, 2004, Nation;
Pg. 14 HEADLINE: 'Potential threats from GM foods' BYLINE:
By Elizabeth John BODY: KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - Several
studies have revealed potentially serious threats to health
from genetically modified foods and vaccines. Among them
were results of a study on Bt-Maize, which is thought to... Dawn.com, Pakistan, 23.02.04; Failure of Bt cotton crop By
Shaukat Ali Bhambhro Like many other countries of the
world, in Pakistan too, genetically engineered [GE] plants
have become subject of a rancorous debate. Its supporters
see agricultural biotechnology as a tool to solve problems
of hunger and excessive pesticide use. On the contrary, its... The International Herald Tribune February 25, 2004
FINANCE; Pg. 18; Modified seeds found among unmodified crops
BYLINE: Andrew Pollack SOURCE: The New York Times BODY:
Seeds that are supposed to be free of genetic engineering
routinely contain biotechnology traits, a public interest
group in the United States has asserted. The group, the... 20 February 2004 The Scotsman, Online, UK, Thu 19 Feb 2004; 3:04pm (UK)
Ministers Accused after GM Crops Plans Leaked By James
Lyons, Political Correspondent, PA News Ministers were
accused of treating voters with "contempt"today after
plans to press ahead with GM crops were leaked. An
announcement on the commercial production of GM maize could... 7 February 2004 Press Association February 5, 2004, MINISTERS WARNED OF GM
'UNEASE' BYLINE: Pippa Crerar, Political Staff, PA News
BODY: The Government was today warned of "widespread
unease"over "incremental"steps being taken towards
introduction of GM crops in the UK. Liberal Democrats told
the Commons such a "momentous and irreversible"decision was... 4 February 2004 The Guardian (London) February 3, 2004 Guardian Foreign
Pages, Pg. 12 545 words EU on line to prohibit GM oilseed
rape crops: Greens hail an environmental victory for
biodiversity as Belgium rejects Bayer application and urges
all member states to follow suit BYLINE: John Vidal
Environment editor BODY: Genetically modified oilseed rape... 3 February 2004 (Greenpeace) First steps to European ban on genetically modified crop.Mon 02 February 2004, BELGIUM/Brussels. In a great victory for all of us concerned about the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe, the Belgian government today refused permission to grow GM oilseed rape (known elsewhere as canola) in Europe. The EU-wide application from Bayer CropScience was rejected after research showed that it would damage the environment. Belgian experts concluded that growing this GM oilseed rape would have negative impacts on biodiversity that could not be brought under control, and that guidelines for farmers to prevent contamination of non-GM crops are unworkable and difficult to monitor... The Guardian (London) February 2, 2004 Guardian Home
Pages, Pg. 9 481 words; Scientists warn that the world's
least damaged environment could be changed forever by the
hunt for potentially lucrative organisms: Cold rush
threatens pristine Antarctic: Links www.scar.org/Treaty
Scott Polar Research Institute: Antarctic treaty document &... EU sees GM import soon, Belgium bans rapeseed crop By
David Milliken and Aine Gallagher BRUSSELS, Feb 2 (Reuters)
- The EU's food safety chief said on Monday the bloc would
allow imports of genetically modified sweetcorn in a few
months, raising the prospect of a partial end to Europe's
five-year ban on new biotech products. But in a sign that... Financial Times (London, England) February 2, 2004 Monday
London Edition 2 SECTION: NATIONAL NEWS; Pg. 4 LENGTH: 461
words HEADLINE: Ministers accept first commercial GM crop
BIOTECHNOLOGY DEBATE: BYLINE: By JEAN EAGLESHAM and JOHN
MASON BODY: Ministers have decided to approve the commercial
cultivation of the country's first genetically modified... 2 February 2004 Agence France Presse HEADLINE: Biological 'gold rush'
threatens Antarctica, experts warn BYLINE: LAWRENCE BARTLETT
DATELINE: KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 BODY: A "21st Century gold
rush"for Antarctica's biological treasures threatens to
overwhelm international efforts to regulate their
exploitation, experts warn in a United Nations University... The Guardian (London) - Final Edition January 31, 2004
Guardian Foreign Pages, Pg. 19, 541 words; nsanto's chapati
patent raises Indian ire BYLINE: Randeep Ramesh BODY:
Monsanto, the world's largest genetically modified seed
company, has been awarded patents on the wheat used for
making chapati - the flat bread staple of northern India.... Independent on Sunday (London) February 1, 2004, NEWS; Pg.
8; BIOTECH FIRM TO MAKE DRUGS IN GM RICE BYLINE: GEOFFREY
LEAN ENVIRONMENT EDITOR BODY: GM crops specially engineered
to produce drugs are to be grown commercially for the first
time, The Independent on Sunday can reveal. An American
biotech company plans, in spring, to start growing... 29 January 2004 UPDATE 2-EU moves step closer to ending GM food ban By
Jeremy Smith BRUSSELS, Jan 28 (Reuters) - The European
Union took one more step towards removing a five-year
unofficial ban on new biotech crops and products on
Wednesday when its executive backed a proposal to allow
imports of gene-altered sweetcorn. EU ministers now have... The Scotsman Online Edition, UK, Source: Press Association,
Wed 28 Jan 2004, 12:12pm (UK); Britain Given 90 Days to
Decide Future of GM Foods "PA"EU governments were today
given 90 days to decide on lifting their five-year-old
moratorium on GM foods. If they do not act by then, the
European Commission will be able to make the decision... Financial Times, UK, Online, Published: January 28 2004
19:29 | Last Updated: January 28 2004 19:29; GM oilseed
rape could harm the environment By John Mason in London The
campaign to legalise the commercial growing of
genetically-modified oilseed rape in the European Union
received a setback on Wednesday when Belgian scientists... The Scotsman January 28, 2004, Pg. 2; SCIENCE 'DOES NOT
KNOW ALL GM FACTS YET' BYLINE: James Reynolds Environment
Correspondent BODY: MORE pressure has been heaped on the
government to reject genetically modified crops, after
warnings that the scientific community is not in a position
to answer all possible questions about the controversial... The Financial Express, India, Online, 28.01.2004; ECONOMY:
NGOs File Petition Against Wheat Patent For Monsanto OUR
ECONOMIC BUREAU NEW DELHI, JAN 27: International
non-government organisation (NGO) Greenpeace alongwith
Indian organisations like Research Foundation for Science,
Technology and Ecology (RFSTE) and Bharat Krishak Samaj... BakeryandSnacks.com, Non-GM demand prompts ADM Japan move
- 28/01/2004 - Japanese consumers are among the most
demanding in the world when it comes to food safety and
quality, and so it is no surprise that they are also among
the most vociferous opponents of genetic modification of
food. Consumers in Japan are prepared to pay a premium for... The Daily Nation, Kenya, Online, Thursday January 29, 2004;
GM technology fails local potatoes By Gatonye Gathura
Trials to develop a virus resistance sweet potato through
biotechnology have failed. US biotechnology, imported three
years ago, has failed to improve Kenya's sweet potato. This
has confirmed critic's fears that bio-engineered techniques... The New Zealand Herald January 28, 2004 NEWS; General;
Human gene implants repel public shows survey BYLINE: By
SIMON COLLINS science reporter BODY: The first public
survey by the Government's new Bioethics Council has found
overwhelming opposition to the idea of putting human genes
into other organisms. The suggestion was described as... 27 January 2004 The Globe and Mail, Canada, Online, Monday, January 26,
2004 - Page A14; The farmer, the canola and mighty Monsanto
Who owns life? Who owns it if it blows into your backyard?
A battle that has raged for years between Saskatchewan
farmer Percy Schmeiser and U.S.-based biotechnology giant
Monsanto Co. has now reached the Supreme Court of Canada.... EU Commission gets set to grapple with GMO policy By
Jeremy Smith BRUSSELS, Jan 26 (Reuters) - The European
Commission aims to thrash out the thorny subject of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) this week, with a
view to pressing EU states to lift the bloc's five-year ban
that has angered its top trading partners. In its first... The Times of India, Online, TIMES NEWS NETWORK MONDAY,
JANUARY 26, 2004 02:45:25 AM; GM crops may be on faster
track CHANDRIKA MAGO NEW DELHI : India 's transgenic crop
programme could soon be put on a faster - and controversial
- track. Sources say an emerging view within the M S
Swaminathan committee, looking at an agrobiotechnology... 26 January 2004 Chicago Tribune January 25, 2004 CHICAGO FINAL EDITION
SECTION: News; Pg. 7; ZONE: C LENGTH: 1405 words HEADLINE:
Biotech wheat pits farmer vs. farmer; The future of an
industry could rest in N. Dakota, where some growers worry
about losing foreign markets that are resisting
gene-altered food BYLINE: By Judith Graham and Andrew... The Washington Post
January 23, 2004, Final Edition; A Section; A02; Rules on
Biotech Crops to Be Revised; USDA Will Examine
Environmental Impact of Genetic Engineering BYLINE: Griff
Witte, Washington Post Staff Writer BODY: Department of
Agriculture officials said yesterday they will begin... The Sacramento Bee, USA, Online, Published 2:15 a.m. PST
Sunday, January 25, 2004; Biotech company cultivates new
field By Mike Lee and Edie Lau -- Bee Staff Writers A
Sacramento biotechnology company is pushing the $500
million California rice industry to a new frontier with a
proposal to grow commercial rice engineered to make drug... RTw 01/24 1852 Monsanto may drop GMO wheat without grower
backing By Carey Gillam ATLANTA, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S.
wheat industry leaders must fully embrace Monsanto Co's.
planned genetically modified wheat and assist the company in
gaining market acceptance or the leading biotech developer
may abandon its wheat research efforts, a Monsanto official... 23 January 2004 EU Politix, Online, 22.01.2004; GM-free is 'paradise lost'
The idea of keeping food totally free of genetically
modified organisms would only be possible in the Garden of
Eden according to farm commissioner Franz Fischler. His
comments came during an all day conference in Brussels on
the future of organic food in Europe. "We have been... Japan Economic Newswire HEADLINE: Hokkaido eyes banning
outdoor cultivation of GMOs DATELINE: SAPPORO, Jan. 22 BODY:
The Hokkaido prefectural government has drafted nonbinding
guidelines that require farmers not to cultivate
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) outdoors, Hokkaido
officials said Thursday. The guidelines are tougher than.. The Moscow Times, Russia, Online, Friday, Jan. 23, 2004.
Page 7; Moscow Shelves Not GM-Free By Simon Ostrovsky Staff
Writer Simon Ostrovsky / MT GM additives were found in
almost half the foods examined in a Greenpeace study. The
food you bring to the dinner table may have been through
the hands of more scientists than farmers, a study has... FoodProductionDaily, 21/01/2004; Traces of GM DNA found in
digestive tract - As fierce opposition to genetically
modified plants continues across the globe, findings from a
breakthrough study in the UK suggest that foreign DNA can
survive to the small intestine, providing fuel to the
anti-GMO fire. The inclusion of genetically modified (GM)... Business Day, South Africa, Online, 22.01.2004; 'Monsanto
plans to dump GM wheat in SA' By Justin Brown The African
Centre for Biosafety (ACB) alleged that US seed group
Monsanto was planning to "dump"genetically modified (GM)
wheat in South Africa. On January 19, Monsanto made an
application to the government for permission to import its... 22 January 2004 MSNBC.com, USA, Updated: 10:33 a.m. ET Jan. 21, 2004;
Canada justices weigh in on biotechnology battle Canola
farmer sued by Monsanto in case adopted by industry critics
Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser calls himself an
'accidental activist.' The Associated Press OTTAWA -
Lawyers for agribusiness titan Monsanto Co. drew pointed... The New York Times January 21, 2004, Late Edition - Final,
Section A; Page 10; Column 5; National Desk; No Foolproof
Way Is Seen To Contain Altered Genes BYLINE: By ANDREW
POLLACK BODY: A new report commissioned by the government
suggests that it will be difficult to completely prevent
genetically engineered plants and animals from having... 21 January 2004 The Globe and Mail Online Edition, Canada, POSTED AT 8:11
AM EST Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004; Small Canadian farmer fights
biotech giant Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser speaks
during a news conference on Parlament Hill in Ottawa
Monday. He says his crop was contaminated by Monsanto's
Roundup Ready canola seed. (AP PHOTO/CP, Jonathan Hayward)... Hard to say how to tame gene-altered life -report
WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Genetically engineered crops
may be handy for farmers who want to freely use
weedkillers, but what is to keep the altered plants from
spreading their pollen and creating superweeds? On Tuesday,
a National Research Council panel said most genetically... 20 January 2004
The Globe and Mail, Canada, Online, Monday, January 19,
2004 - Page A5; Canola fight lands in top court Dispute
highlights crucial questions around patenting of various
life forms By KIRK MAKIN JUSTICE REPORTER When the Prairie
winds began to howl late in 1997, Saskatchewan farmer Percy
Schmeiser could scarcely have guessed they would end up...
The New Zealand Herald January 20, 2004 Tuesday SECTION:
NEWS; General LENGTH: 1679 words HEADLINE: Buried
Treasures: Stink surrounds GM onions BODY: Don't say it too
loudly, but in quiet tones the Environmental Risk
Management Authority (Erma) has signalled that genetic
experiments will no longer get an easy ride to approval.... 19 January 2004 Independent on Sunday (London) January 18, 2004, NEWS; Pg.
2; GM CORN TO BE APPROVED FOR ONE YEAR ONLY BYLINE:
GEOFFREY LEAN ENVIRONMENT EDITOR BODY: GM crops will be
given the go-ahead for a single season in Britain, in a
move largely crafted to save the Prime Minister's face, The
Independent on Sunday can reveal. The Government is... Pravda, Russia, Online, 01/16/2004 12:20; Russians are
entitled to know.....what they eat A new campaign was
launched in Russia under a slogan "NO transgenic products
for Russians!"Yesterday, Greenpeace representatives bought
several items in "The Seventh Continent"grocery store for
testing. The results of those tests will reveal what... 16 January 2004
Independent, UK, 16 January 2004; Ministers to approve commercial growth of GM crops next month. By marie Woolf and Ben Russell. The Government will next month approve the commercial growing of genetically modified (GM) crops in Britain for the first time. But ministers will impose strict conditions on the cultivation of GM maize and ban commercial GM sugar beet and oilseed rape after trials showed that they could be more damaging to the environment than conventional crops...
Green Consumer Guide, UK, Online, Thursday 15 January
2004; Criticism grows for GM report Criticism for the
government's statutory advisor ACRE, over recommendations
on GM crops published this week, has continued with a
comprehensive rebuke from Greenpeace, which called the
proposals 'bad for farmers, bad for the organic food... 14 January 2004
The Canadian Press (CP) January 12, 2004;Genetically
engineered wheat may lead to more use of chemicals, report
says SOURCE: CP BYLINE: BY DENNIS BUECKERT BODY: OTTAWA
(CP) _ Farmers may need to use additional chemicals to kill
weeds if genetically engineered wheat proposed by Monsanto
enters widespread cultivation, says an internal report by...
RTw 01/13 0735 UPDATE 1-EU Commission postpones decision
on GM maize (adds background, reaction) BRUSSELS, Jan 13
(Reuters) - The European Commission postponed the adoption
of a proposal for the authorisation of a new type of
genetically modified maize on Tuesday, further delaying the
lifting of a five-year ban on new biotech products. The...
New Scientist, UK, Online, 15:24 13 January 04
NewScientist.com news service; UK on brink of growing first
GM crops Farmers in Britain could plant their first
commercial genetically-modified crops this spring, breaking
Europe's long-standing resistance to the controversial
technology. Paving the way for the breakthrough was a...
The Guardian Online Edition, 13.01.2004, 4.15pm update; GM
report clears maize but rejects other crops Agencies
Tuesday January 13, 2004 Farmers who grow genetically
modified (GM), herbicide-tolerant maize would not adversely
affect the environment, a panel of scientists told the
government today. But the experts advising the government...
Alertnet, Online, 13 Jan 2004 15:44:10 GMT; UK govt adviser
fails to advance GM crops debate (Writes through with
context) LONDON, Jan 13 (Reuters) - A long-awaited decision
on whether genetically modified crops may be grown
commercially in Britain appeared no closer on Tuesday after
a team of top scientific advisers failed to give ministers...
DAILY MAIL (London) January 13, 2004; 609 words; BLAIR
WILL BACK GM EXPANSION 'BY STEALTH' BYLINE: SEAN POULTER
BODY: THE growing of geneticallymodified crops will be
approved today despite widespread public opposition.
Agriculture Minister Elliot Morley will tell MPs that
production will be allowed on a 'case-by-case' basis with... 13 January 2004
EU Commission to relaunch GM maize approval bid BRUSSELS,
Jan 12 (Reuters) - The European Commission is to resume its
fight to authorise the sale of genetically modified
sweetcorn this week, another step towards lifting a
five-year-old ban on biotech products, officials said on
Monday. The move comes as some EU states are putting in... 12 January 2004
The Advertiser January 10, 2004 NEWS; Pg. 42 New look at GM
BYLINE: edited by Nigel Austin and Bryan Littlely BODY: AN
ethical obligation exists to explore the benefits that
genetically modified (GM) crops offer people in developing
countries, says the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. Nuffield
Council director Dr Sandy Thomas said the possible costs,...
The Canadian Press (CP) January 9, 2004 AgCan ends testing
of GE wheat developed with Monsanto SOURCE: CP BYLINE: BY
DENNIS BUECKERT BODY: OTTAWA (CP) _ Agriculture Canada is
abandoning a long-running project involving genetically
engineered wheat it developed in partnership with biotech
giant Monsanto, amid doubts about how well the product...
The Guardian (London) - Final Edition January 10, 2004
Guardian Home Pages, Pg. 3; Judge in Monsanto trial worked
for firm that acted for company BYLINE: Duncan Campbell in
Los Angeles BODY: The judge in a Monsanto pricefixing trial
in Chicago has been asked to remove himself from the case
on conflict of interest grounds after it emerged that he...
The Associated Press January 9, 2004, Calif. county to
vote on banning genetically engineered plants and animals
BYLINE: By PAUL ELIAS, AP Biotechnology Writer DATELINE:
UKIAH, Calif. BODY: The center of the nation's
anti-biotechnology movement can be found these days in a
renegade Northern California county where the biggest cash... 9 January 2004
Edinburgh Evening News, UK, Online, Thu 8 Jan 2004; Sowing
seeds of resistance to GM PETER MELCHETT Peter Melchett THE
past 12 months have seen some extraordinary developments in
the sorry saga of genetically modified crops. A series of
government reports have, mostly to our - and the
Government's - surprise, come out with verdicts on GM that...
The Guardian (London) - Final Edition January 8, 2004
Guardian Home Pages, Pg. 5; GM crops linked to rise in
pesticide use BYLINE: John Vidal BODY: Eight years of
planting genetically modified maize, cotton and soya beans
in the US has significantly increased the amount of
herbicides and pesticides used, according to a US report... 8 January 2004
Global News Wire - Europe Intelligence Wire East African
Standard web site, Nairobi, in English 7 Jan 04; KENYA:
COMMENTATOR SAYS GLOBAL FIRMS IN DELIBERATE EFFORT TO
PROMOTE GM CROPS BODY: The call last week by Makueni MP
Prof Kivutha Kibwana, for food aid to his starving
constituents raised a fundamental matter. While the cream...
The Nation (Thailand) January 7, 2004, Bitter-sweet of GM
crops BYLINE: The Nation. BODY: Bitter-sweet of GM crops
Before the government makes any decision on lifting the ban
on field tests for genetically modified (GM) crops or
allows farmers to grow GM crops for commercial purposes it
should heed the experience of other Asian countries. Since...
Reuters, Wed January 7, 2004 12:00 PM ET; UK government
advisors back GM rice imports LONDON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - An
attempt by German drugs and chemicals giant Bayer (BAYG.DE:
Quote, Profile, Research) to import genetically modified
(GM) rice into the UK has received the backing of UK
government safety advisors, who say the variety poses no... 7 January 2004
The Bangkok Post, Thailand, Online, 07.01.2004; AGRICULTURE
US urges ministry to allow GM trials Cabinet approval to be
sought soon Kultida Samabuddhi The United States is
pressing the Agriculture Ministry to go ahead with
open-field testing of genetically modified crops and to use
biotechnology as a key means to boost crop yield and...
The New York Times January 6, 2004, Tuesday, Late Edition
- Final SECTION: Section A; Page 1; Column 5;
Business/Financial Desk LENGTH: 2059 words HEADLINE:
Questions Seen On Seed Prices Set in the 90's BYLINE: By
DAVID BARBOZA DATELINE: ST. LOUIS BODY: Senior executives
at the two biggest seed companies in the world met... 6 January 2004
The Bangkok Post, Thailand, Online, 03.01.2004; GENE
TECHNOLOGY Farmer doubts about GM cotton grow Kultida
Samabuddhi While the debate over genetically-modified crops
carries on in Thailand, farmers in India, Indonesia and the
Philippines, where GM cotton and corn have been grown
commercially, are complaining that GM crops incur more...
_______________________
_______________________
Yesterday it called on the Government to adopt a policy to keep genetically modified organisms out of Ireland and use this as part of a strategy to develop and market the green image of Irish food produce.
President Malcolm Thompson said that we should build on increased demand for Irish beef and lamb by strengthening our image as the "food island".
The ICSA said surveys clearly showed that the majority of EU consumers were strongly opposed to the use of GM organisms, whether as part of the human diet or in feed for animals.
As an island, Ireland had a unique opportunity to put forward this policy, said John Heney of the ICSA. "We can realistically claim to be GM-free without risk of contamination from other EU countries that may take a different approach to GM. This will give us a marketing edge,"he said.
The ICSA was not making any explicit judgment on the science of GM produce, but was looking at the marketing of Irish beef and lamb as the key objective.
The IFA does not take a position on GM crops.
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Additionally, legal action in the form of an injunction could be taken against retailers who refuse to stop selling inaccurately labelled foods.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has said that several companies have labelled products as GM-free, in spite of the fact that FSAI tests indicated that GM ingredients were present in the foods.
Companies found by the FSAI to have falsely labelled their food as GM-free include Cow&Gate, Health Store, Itona Products and Direct Food.
Among these companies, only Cow&Gate has agreed to change the label on the product in question.
Mr. Pat O'Mahony, chief biotechnology specialist for the FSAI, said his organisation currently tests batches of food, and if they are deemed to contain GM materials, the FSAI asks the retailer to remove the batch.
"If there's a certain brand continually having inaccurate labelling then we'd ask [the retailer] to reconsider that product and reconsider the brand in total,"he said.
Because many of the companies that produce the food often are not located in the Republic, the FSAI has no jurisdiction over them. That's why the group has chosen to focus on the retailers, Mr. O'Mahony said.
"The retailers are the people ultimately responsible for providing accurate labelling,"he said. Products that contain less than 0.9 per cent GM ingredients do not need to be labelled as GM foods.
Mr. O'Mahony said that the FSAI would bre starting a campaign focusing on testing the content of foods labelled as organic and GM-free that contain soy or maize as a main ingredient.
"The retailers know that we're starting on a new campaign this year, and they'll know what's coming down the line, so they can't say they weren't warned,"he said.
_______________________
These were Cow&Gate Vegetable Casserole for babies, Health Store soya flour, Itona Products Premier Original Biscuit Cake, Direct Food Protoveg Sosmix and Burgamix.
FSAI chief biotechnology specialist Pat O'Mahony said the authority contacted those companies to ask them to stop misleading consumers, but only Cow&Gate agreed to remove the labels.
One company had even argued that its product could not be deemed to contain GM ingredients as the content was less than 1pc of the total, which Mr O'Mahony said did not make sense.
"There's no way you can make that argument. You're not obliged to label GM ingredients if they're under 0.9pc of the total, but you can't claim something is GM-free when it's not."The GM products in question did not pose any risk to consumer health, but it was a matter of letting consumers choose what they wanted to buy, he said.
The FSAI will be carrying out further tests of foodstuffs this year to see which ones contain GM ingredients, and will be urging stores to stop stocking products that gave consumers incorrect information.
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Since then the United States has been attempting to overturn the ban via the World Trade Organisation and vigorous lobbying of EU Governments and politicians. The Clinton administration did have a measure of success with the Irish government and the lobbying of both Bertie Ahern and the then Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey, saw a shift in Irish policy from 'neutrality' on the issue to support in one crucial EU vote early in 1999.
However, the US met with little success overall because of strong consumer and health concerns among the WEU population ‚ until recently, that is, when the Commission, led by Byrne, took a decision to end the moratorium. EU bodies trusted with the scrutiny of such proposals include the standing committee on the food chain and animal health and the Agricultural Council of Ministers. Last December, the food chain committee was asked to give its opinion on a draft decision from the commission to allow the introduction to the EU of genetically modified sweetcorn. The committee failed to reach the necessary qualified majority decision although Ireland's vote in favour ensured that a bare majority of 33 to 29 with 25 abstentions was reached.
The proposal then went to the Agriculture Council of Ministers last month where it again failed to receive a qualified majority while the German Agriculture Minister, Renate Kunast, said she would not vote in favour as she had serious doubts about GMO safety. Kunast also pointed out that each state had the right to invoke the 'precautionary principle' should the EU authorise the introduction of GM foods.
Switch to Dublin as fortnight later (last Thursday, May 13) and the issue came before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, which, like all Oireachtas committees, has an in-built Government majority. After submissions from the Department of Health and the Food Safety Authority Committee, as well as the various committee members such as Fianna Fail TD, Dr. Jimmy Devins, the committee decided unanimously to reject the proposal. Committee members were singularly unimpressed with various so called precautionary measures to safeguard the consumers such as the labelling of food with more than 1 percent GM content and also with the news that consumers do not have to be warned that beef, pork, or lamb products have been fed with GM foodstuffs.
As far as Goldhawk is aware, this vote is one of the only, and certainly the most up to date, expressions of democratic opinion on the subject of GM foods and its unimpeded entry to the Irish and European market. Nevertheless, the Irish Government has been voting in EU meetings with little or no scrutiny for the introduction of such foodstuffs.
Now, Commissioner Byrne, the Irish politician responsible for health and food safety, is preparing to lead the charge in favour of GM products into the EU. This is despite serious resistance from Irish consumers against GM products and the absence of any public or political expression in favour of GM foods.
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Berlin, 26.5.2004 Today the German Parliament demanded that the government
calls for labelling of all genetically modified plants in seeds at the
detection level and takes appropriate measures at the European level to
implement respective legislation. "Save our Seeds"welcomes the decision as
a political breakthrough.
"After Italy, Denmark, Austria and Luxembourg now the Communities largest
member state has taken a clear position to keep GMOs out of our seeds"said
SOS spokesman Benedikt Haerlin. "We are confident, that this will be a
signal to other member states such as France and the UK. So far only the
Netherlands and Ireland took a position in favour of high GM contamination
thresholds in seeds. Other governments are still reviewing their position.
The EU Commission is presently discussing the issue controversially. An
internal proposal of environment Commissioner Margot Wallstr–m envisages
contamination levels between 0,3 and 0,5 percent to be accepted in
conventional and organic seeds without labelling. However, it is unclear
whether there will be a majority of Commissioners to support such an
approach during the last months of the Commissions term.
The Parliaments resolution, adopted with the majority of the governing
coalition calls upon the German government to "plead for seed purity at all
levels"and to ensure in the present discussion at the European level that
threshold are oriented at the detection level". It also demands strict
controls of seed contamination within Germany. "Thresholds above the
detection level would lead to an uncontrolled placing on the market of
genetically modified plants", the Parliament finds and also points out that
such thresholds would substantially increase the costs for farmers and seed
producers.
"This decision would not have come about without the continued campaigning
of hundreds of environmental, farmers and consumers organisations, trade
unions, scientists and churches as well as 200.000 European citizens who
have signed the "Save our Seeds"petition for pure seeds,"said Haerlin.
"Save our Seeds"represents 350 organisations with over 25 million members
in all EU member states.
"We hope that this decision will also be well received by the European
Commissioners,"said Haerlin, "who should not try to force contamination
thresholds upon European farmers and consumers during the last months of
their remaining term."Should pro GM hard-liners like Commissioner David
Byrne succeed to still adopt a Commission proposal for GM contamination
thresholds in seeds, such a proposal could only be overruled by a qualified
(2/3) majority of member states in the Council of Ministers.
More Information: Benedikt Haerlin, Save our Seeds", mobil +49 173 9997555,
www.saveourseeds.org
The full text of the German Parliaments decision can be retrieved in German
only at http://dip.bundestag.de/btd/15/029/1502972.pdf
The EU Commissions internal draft directive is available at
http://www.saveourseeds.org/downloads/com_draft_seeds_04_2004.pdf
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
He insisted there was absolutely no scientific reason for fears over its safety and said it would be clearly labelled to indicate it contained GM produce. The decision on whether to buy it or not would be up to consumers. However, in Ireland political parties and green organisations said the decision put the interests of multi nationals above those of consumers.
"This is simply a case of the EU dancing to the agenda of multi nationals. There has not been sufficient consultation nor sufficient scientific research into this subject. This decision from the EU is being done purely for commercial reasons,"said Labour food safety spokeswoman May Upton.
Michael O'Callaghan of GM-Free Ireland said it was "a bad day for the European consumer"as there was far too much good scientific evidence of the health risks for it to be legalised.
Green MEP Patricia McKenna said Ireland should turn the situation to its advantage by declaring the country a GM-free zone.
The EC took the controversial decision after EU member states failed to agree to either back or ban the sale of the food.
Developed by the Swiss firm Syngenta, the sweetcorn is also known by its technical term BT-11, but it may not be grown in Europe under this licence.
The commission was anxious to clear the sale of the sweetcorn to defuse a row at the World Trade Organisation with the US and Australia, who have complained that Europe has been blocking the sale of GM products for commercial reasons.
But environmental lobby group Greenpeace attacked the commission, and claimed consumer resistance was so strong the sweetcorn wouldn't make it on to European supermarket shelves.
"The European Commission is supposed to represent the interests of European citizens and the environment, but has chosen in this case to defend US farmers and narrow agro-business interests,"said Greenpeace's Eric Gall.
_______________________
Resistance to herbicide damage has been built into soyabeans and sugar beets in the same way, allowing these crops to survive spraying to destroy weed growth.
The "FlavrSavr"tomato, an engineered variety with an extra gene that helps delay rotting, was the first GM food product to be released for human consumption. The Calgene company developed it in 1992 and the tomato went on sale after approval in 1994. The company has since gone out of business but modified tomatoes are still on the market.
Supporters of the technology argue that useful traits such as higher vitamin content can help solve nutritional diseases in developing countries. They claim using herbicide and insecticide-resistant crops would reduce the need for chemical sprays.
Opponents say that too little is known about this new technology and urge a precautionary approach to it. They argue there could be hidden health impacts and modified plants grown in the open could spread herbicide-resistant genes into weeds, making them impossible to clear.
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
In one area in particular, the European Union is streets ahead of the United States - Europe has taken the views of its citizens on genetic modification seriously. While the US has for years followed a policy based on trial and error, the EU has introduced, and, if we Greens have anything to do with it, will continue to introduce legislation based on the precautionary principle, writes Daniel Cohn-Bendit.
Next week (April 27th-28th), agriculture ministers from the EU's 15 current member-states will meet in Luxembourg under the Irish presidency to discuss whether a strain of genetically modified sweetcorn (Bt11) should be allowed to be sold in Europe. If this is approved, it will end the de facto moratorium on the granting of licences for the sale of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European market.
When this licence was discussed at council level, Ireland voted to approve the new GM sweetcorn, despite Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's assertion in the Dáil that no decisions had been taken. The Green Group/EFA in the European Parliament has written to the Taoiseach, to the European Commission President, Romano Prodi, and to the 15 agriculture ministers who will vote on this issue, urging them to listen once again to the views of Europe's citizens. We have also urged them to consider serious scientific evidence demonstrating that the safety of this sweetcorn is far from assured. This letter and the supporting evidence is published on the Green/EFA group's website at: www.greens-efa.org
In 1999 the European Council agreed to a moratorium on the licencing of all new GMOs due to well-founded doubts about the public health and ecological implications for both food and agriculture. At that time the Greens were part of governments in France, Germany, Belgium and Italy.
The moratorium gave citizens, scientists and politicians the time and space to analyse data more closely and create a legislative framework to protect consumer choice and avert potential damage to the environment and public health. From the experience of extensive cultivation of GMOs in the US we now know that there are serious risks involved.
Meanwhile, the European Greens appeal to the EU to continue to support the opinion of the vast majority of Europe's consumers - up to 80 per cent in some surveys - who say 'No!' to GMOs.
The European Greens believe European legislation on genetic modification must continue to be steered by the precautionary principle. If the EC finally decides to permit the marketing of the first new GM products, then the 'safety net' of labelling, traceability, and in particular, the issue of co-existence between GM, organic and conventional crops, must be strengthened.
Only if GM contamination in seeds and food is clearly labelled, and threshold levels for detection are realistic, can consumers and farmers have a real choice. Commissioner Byrne takes his cues from the biotech industry on this issue and promotes maximum threshold levels for detection, in direct opposition to his Commission colleagues for Agriculture, Franz Fischler, and the Environment, Margot Wallstr–m.
The directive on the voluntary dissemination of GMOs was strengthened in European legislation in 2001, but 11 states have still not implemented it, including Ireland, which will mean a creeping and uncontrollable spread of future GMO licences.
Under this legislation, farmers who want to use an EU-authorised GMO will be obliged to declare the use in public registers and will be collectively responsible for economic damages to the harvests of adjoining fields caused by contamination. A farmer whose crops become contaminated by GM pollen from adjoining fields will in future have to declare that his or her products are GM contaminated. For an organic farmer, this is a total financial disaster.
Consequently though, under the EU directive - which has not yet been adopted by Ireland - even if the organic farmer cannot prove which of the neighbours was responsible, he or she would be entitled to compensation from them. As a result of this legislation, an interesting development has occurred in Germany where professional agricultural organisations have now declared that using GMOs in agriculture is of no economic benefit to them, and that it is better to avoid them entirely so as to steer clear of unnecessary risks.
If we really believe that consumers should be able to make informed choices and that the precautionary principle remains an integral part of EU lawmaking, we have to continue fighting to mobilise citizens "for 1,000 GM-free regions".
The Irish Government and the Irish Commissioner are failing Irish and European consumers with their stance on genetic modification. Our fight for 1,000 GM-free regions - and for Ireland to be one of them - is the best way we can pressurise the Irish Government into following the example of countries that refuse the GMO diktat.
_______________________
Irish author JP Donleavy posted a sign declaring his cattle farm in Mullingar to be Ireland's first GM-free zone yesterday.
Similar announcements from other farmers are expected to follow as a precautionary step against the contamination of their produce with genetically-modified animal, feed, seeds, crops and livestock.
Mr. Donleavy's interest in genetically-modified food developed after he discovered that a new grass he believed was not native to Ireland was taking over his fields and contaminating the grass which his organic herd was eating.
He told The Irish Times yesterday that while GM food had improved farming in the US, resulting in increased food production, it was more serious than he realised.
GM Free Ireland, the organisation which is campaigning against genetically-modified foods in this country, claims that "Ireland's GM policy was formulated without the due public consultation process required by EU Directive 2001/18/EC.|"
GM farming has been legalised in the UK and if farmers in Noerthern Ireland adpoted genetically-modified crops this might lead to irreversible contamination of organic crops in the Republic, they say.
Yesterday's annoucement will be followed on Monday by a GM-free workshop in Temple Bar, Dublin. Speakers will include Mr. Adrian Bebb, a leading european expert on designating areas to be GM-free, Pavitra Chalam from the GM-free movement in India, and people connected with the Irish food industry. The benefits of keeping Ireland free of genetically-modified foods will be discussed.
EU laws on the labelling of GM produce came into effect across Europe on Sunday, and have been welcomed by environmental and consumer groups.
_______________________
_______________________
BIODIVERSITY: GENETIC CROPS AN ECO-NIGHTMARE, SCIENTISTS WARN. An ecological disaster with superweeds running out of control is the nightmarish scenario awaiting this country if farmers are allowed to grow genetically modified (GM) crops, scientists warn. This crisis has already hit Argentinian soya farmers, according to the respected journal New Scientist. Green Party agriculture spokesperson Mary White said last night that the findings should be taken as "a wake-up call by Government to protect consumers and stop cosying up to big companies". Currently, farmers here are not allowed to use GM crops but, as with other EU states, the large multinational biotech companies supplying this technology are keen for governments to give the all-clear to their use - as have the US and Argentina. However, the New Scientist found that Argentinian growers had to double their use of herbicides to control superweeds formed when GM crops swopped genes with ordinary weeds. A further consequence was the impact on human health, with those living near GM fields complaining of rashes, streaming eyes and other symptoms. Cllr White called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to declare this State "GM-free"and to take the first step by voting against EU proposals for GM maize in sweetcorn in a Brussels vote on April 26. In 1997 Argentina became one of the first countries to authorise Monsanto's Roundup Ready strain of GM soya. The company's GM soya was created to be resistant to the Roundup herbicide - also made by Monsanto - so Roundup could be sprayed on the crop, killing all the weeds but not the soya. Farmers were attracted by the prospect of increased productivity and a decrease in herbicide use but instead, says the New Scientist, the growers found they were using twice as much herbicide, as conventional soya farmers. Monsanto has hit back with biotechnology manager Colin Merritt saying they are "shocked that New Scientist should publish such a biased article".
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Mr Cohn-Bendit, said Ireland was giving in to international pressure and looked as if it would preside over the introduction of GM food in Europe.
He was referring to the decision on whether or not to allow the sale of tinned GM sweetcorn at the meeting of agriculture ministers at the end of this month.
Ireland, he said, was one of six EU countries which has voted in favour of lifting the ban at a civil service level, but the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has denied that any decision has been taken.
"On the basis of bad science, Ireland is going to let down its own consumers and food consumers all over Europe and lift the ban on GM food in the EU,"said Mr Cohn-Bendit.
Describing Ireland's Commissioner Mr David Byrne as "a very nice man", he added that he always took the part of industry and "had wrong ideas."
Ms Patricia McKenna said the Greens were angry at the high levels of cross-contamination from GM seeds and crops that Mr Byrne, the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, was prepared to accept before a product had to be labelled as containing GM material.
The conference passed a resolution calling on the Government to declare Ireland a GM free zone in order to maintain GM free agricultural promotion and to protect genetic products from contamination. They called on the Government to maintain the moratorium on the release of GMO until all five precautionary requirements were firmly established in practice; safety, traceability, labelling, protection against contamination and liability.
The conference also called on the Government to use the flexibility provided by EU legislation on hygiene for foodstuffs to protect small scale production of regional specialities. Cllr Mary Green, the party's candidate in the East constituency, said people were beginning to search out local food because of scares associated with global food.
Calling for support for local producers, she said there were currently 50 farmers' markets supporting 400 suppliers who were getting better returns from these markets than conventional outlets. Supporting these markets, she said, meant protecting and helping rural economies and would lead to the support of sustainable farming.
Mr John Brennan of the Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-operative, said that if necessary farmers and consumers should consider a campaign of civil disobedience should the Government let GM crops be produced here. Farmers, should look to the Constitution to protect their livelihood should the ban be lifted on GM production.
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article: (note: although we have split this URL into two separate lines, you need to copy both into a single line in your browser for the link to work)
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article: (note: although we have split this URL into two separate lines, you need to copy both into a single line in your browser for the link to work)
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
Read the article:
_______________________
