GMO Food for Thought

China to Promote GM Crops

Abstract: Members of AgBioWorld discussed an announcement that China’s government has “decided to give broad support for genetically modified crops.” The Chinese cabinet approved a “master plan” for transgenic crops last week, urging relevant authorities to "waste no time to implement the programme and understand the importance and urgency of the programme". Several members voiced that they hoped Europe was taking notice of this decision, pointing out that with India and China growing “officially” growing genetically modified crops, almost half of the world’s population is growing GM crops.

Source: Reuters via Truth about Trade & Technology

The Success of Biotechnology Around the World

Abstract: Members praised an article written by Robert Wager on the success stories in the agricultural biotechnology arena. Wager writes that the world is facing a food crisis and biotechnology can help. He then goes on to list some of the successes including biotech maize, bananas, potatoes and wheat. Members also suggested two other articles of similar nature, “Will Rising Food Prices Reduce Poverty? (They Can, but They Won't),” by Raj M. Desa and “It's not the price that causes hunger,” by Robert Paarlberg.

Sources: Korea Times (Wager article)
Brookings Institution (Desa article)
International Herald Tribune (Paarlberg article)

AgBioWorld Members Create Virtual “Bookshelf”

Abstract: Last week members chimed in on a agbiotech bookshelf – a list of books on biotechnology that those interested could find helpful in understanding the issue. After lengthy discussions on what should and should not be included, a complete list was posted on AgBioWorld at the link below.

Source: AgBioWorld Bookshelf