Uganda: 'European Union Not Opposed to GM Crops'
The Monitor (Kampala)
Joseph Olanyo
Pretoria
May 14, 2007
Excerpt…
Genetically Modified crops from African countries will not be denied entry into the European Union (EU), top research scientists have said. Speaking at an AfricaBio Biotechnology Communicators training workshop in Pretoria, South Africa recently, the International Agro Biotechnology Research Specialist, Willy de Greef, said the EU was not opposed to the development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
"We are concerned that you always do not hear the truth. It is often claimed that the EU is opposed to GMOs. Many people have been told negative things, but we will continue with the meetings to ensure that the technology is adopted," Mr Greef said.
GMOs are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. GM foods are developed and marketed because of their perceived advantage to either the producers or consumers.
The training workshop was organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in conjunction with AfricaBio. It attracted journalists and research scientists from Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.
Mr De Greef's remarks come against a background of widespread opposition to the development of GMOs. However, Mr De Greef said six EU countries are currently planting GM crops, with several more hoping to start soon.
He said Spain is leading the way with 60,000 hectares already planted. France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany and Slovakia, he said, have also increased their acreages fivefold in 2006, from 1,500 hectares in 2005 to 8,500 hectares in 2006.
"What the activists are not telling you is that the most likely GMO crops to be produced in Africa are maize, soybean, cotton and possibly cassava at some future state," Mr Greef said.
"With the exception of cotton, none of these crops are currently being exported to the EU. Should Africa one day become self sufficient in maize and soybeans, surplus exports of approved GM products to the EU will never be in jeopardy."
The President of AfricaBio, Prof Diran Makinde said the majority of Africa's scientists, agricultural research institutions and political leaders have embraced the GM technology and are speeding up the process for the adoption of GM crops….
Full article at The Monitor (Kampala).
