AgBioWorld Members Discuss GM Corn in German, Tear-Free Onions and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Germany Makes it “Easier” for Farmers to Plant GM Corn
Abstract: Bloomberg reported that Germany passed legislation that supposedly makes it easier for farmers to plant genetically modified corn, though Monsanto disagrees. The legislation calls for farmers who want to sow MON180 to set a 150 meter ``safety zone'' between the plots growing GM corn and neighbors who've sown regular GM-free corn. “Farmers need to draw up a zone of 300 meters around plots adjacent to organic crops. Farmers will also be obliged to report in an Internet register plans to sow the seeds three months before the April-May planting season.” Monsanto argues that this will make it easier for activists eager to burn down GM crop fields to find them, making farmers more hesitant to plant the genetically modified corn.
Source: Bloomberg
Tear-Free Onions Coming Soon?
Abstract:Scientists in New Zealand and Japan announced that they have created the first “tear-free” onion with the help of genetic modification. The scientist used biotechnology to silence the gene responsible for the enzyme that makes us cry. Colin Eady, the institute's senior scientist, was quoted as saying that they hope that by silencing this gene the compounds normally created will be redirected into compounds responsible for flavor and health. The onion will not, however, be available for 10 to 15 years to consumers.
Source: AFP
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Increases Funding to Improve Agricultural Production
Abstract: A member posted an article from the Puget Sound Business Journal on an announcement Bill Gates made during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last month. Gates announced that his foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, would be increasing funding “to improve agricultural production in poor countries around the world.” The majority of the $306 million grant, $164.5 million will go to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) “to help Africa's small farmers increase yields of stable food crops. The grant will focus on improving soil fertility, which could increase crop yields for 4.1 million people.” The remainder of the package, $141.5 million will be divided among five organizations: CARE in Atlanta, Heifer International of Little Rock, Ark., International Development Enterprises of Lakewood, Colo., the International Rice Research Institute based in Manila, and TechnoServe, a rural business development organization based in Washington, D.C. After seeing this article another member posted an article from the Wall Street Journal in which Gates says he was inspired by biotechnology pioneer Norman Borlaug.
Sources: Puget Sound Business Journal
Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
