AgBioWorld Members Discuss Suppression of Italian Field Trials, Fair Trade Definition and Maine Bt Corn Regulations
Italian Field Trial Results Suppressed
Abstract: Members discuss an announcement that Italian government officials and scientists withheld data from field trials comparing conventional and GM maize for two years. The data shows that Italian farmers have potentially forfeited between roughly 300 million and 1 billion Euros a year because of the continued ban on GM crops. One member posted a press release asking that other members distribute it widely, especially to those in the media. Another member posted a Food Navigator article on the issue.
Sources:
Press Release on the Announcement
Food Navigator article
The Truth about Fair Trade, Organic and Locally Produced
Abstract: A member of AgBioWorld distributed the criteria for fair trade, which includes a note about “harmful agrochemicals and GMOs” being “strictly prohibited.” The member also included an article from The Economist on the real impact of organic, fair trade and locally grown food.
Sources:
The Economist article
Maine Considers Rules for Regulating Bt Corn
Abstract: The Maine Board of Pesticides Control announced that it would hold a meeting to discuss proposed rules regulating the use of genetically modified corn. Several members suggested that at least one member of the group should go to the meeting and represent their opinions. The original article noted that those against the introduction of Bt corn in Maine would be in attendance, and likely citing a study that supposedly showed Bt corn causes the unintended increased mortality in aquatic species. The group agreed that someone needed to be there to counter the flawed research.
Source: Morning Sentinel (ME)
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C.S. Prakash
