GMO Food for Thought

Irish Times Article Challenges Anti-GM Activists

The Irish Times published an article on the need for anti-GM and anti-nuclear activists to be challenged. The author points out that far too often the media gives equal time to both sides. This is not always fair to the general public since the amateurs (activists) do not know the answers to the tough questions and scientists often do. Another issue pointed out in the article is that scientists can not claim there is zero risk involved, and activists can always claim an exaggerated risk. One member suggested writing to the author of the article, saying that the activists will likely start attacking him and he could likely use the support of the scientific community.

Source: The Irish Times

UK Food and Family Minster Speaks Out Against Anti-GM Activists

Abstract: Farmers Guardian (UK) reported last week Food and Farming Minster Jeff Rooker has “launched a scathing attack on opponents of genetically modified (GM) crops, who he said were on a ‘messianic mission’ to halt the technology.’” Rooker admitted that while he is not in favor of a blanket approval of GM crops in England, he would like to see a “rational debate.”

Source: Farmers Guardian

PETA Urges the Use of Human Milk in Ice Cream

Abstract: PETA recently contacted ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s, urging them to switch from cow’s milk to human breast milk in their ice cream products. PETA claims that cow’s milk causes numerous health problems in children and adults and believes that by switching to human milk health problems would go down and cows would be treated more humanely. One member commented that “you can’t make this stuff up,” while another posted links to articles criticizing the idea.

Sources: WPTZ
New York Daily News
Sydney Morning Herald

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Government of Scotland Apologizes for Accidental GM Material Release

Abstract: The Government of Scotland issued a press release in response to the unauthorized release of GM material during a field trial of oilseed rape. The release assured citizens that there are “no current risks to human or animal health or to the environment.” It quotes the Minister for Environment, Michael Russell as saying, “Had these plants been allowed to mature, the risk to the environment could have been very serious. However, prompt action by the Scottish Government is ensuring that the situation is remedied. This further emphasises the continuing need for rigourous controls on GM material and for Scotland to remain a GM crop-free zone.” One member suggested that letters should be written to any newspaper that publishes Russell’s statements, responding to the “threat” issue.

Sources: Scotland Government Web site
Denbighshire Free-Press

Web site Releases New American Opinions of GM Food

Abstract: The Web site WorldPublicOpinion.org released a new collection of surveys regarding American (US) public opinions of biotech food. The member who posted the item notes that while the first link to the discussion of the surveys is “reasonable, insightful and perhaps even citeworthy” he doubts the “value” of the actual collection of surveys. Many members responded positively, saying that the tide might be turning and people might be more receptive to biotechnology. Another member reported that the leadership in the Western Australian (WA) government has changed and a more biotechnology-friendly government is now in power. He/she is hopeful that the moratorium in WA will be lifted.

Sources: Discussion of Studies
PDF of Studies

Resources for Agricultural Biotechnology Statements

Abstract: A member asked for online resources where “different science academies of the world publish their statements on biotechnology.” The member noted that a debate has re-ignited in Guatemala after several newspapers ran pro-biotech pieces. In response, people are writing into the newspaper with “disinformation,” including claims that “science has still not proven that this technology is safe.” Members responded with numerous links, which can be found below.

Sources:
The National Academies Press
American Council on Science and Health, Biotechnology and Food (2000). (pdf)
American Dietetic Association, Biotechnology and the Future of Food-Position of ADA (reaffirmed 2000).
American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs, Genetically Modified Crops and Foods (I-00) Full Text (2000).
American Phytopathological Society, Statement on Biotechnology and its Application to Plant Pathology (August 2001).
American Seed Trade Association, ASTA Position Statement on Genetically Modified Plant Varieties.
American Society of Plant Biologists, Statement on Genetic Modification of Plants Using Biotechnology.
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, Position Statement on Food and Agricultural Biotechnology (2000).
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Statement on Biotechnology (March 2000).
GM Science Review Panel, United Kingdom (July 2003)
International Association of Plant Breeders (ASSINSEL), Position Paper on Genetically Enhanced Plant Varieties for Food and Feed Uses (May 31, 2001).
International Society of African Scientists, Position Statement adopted at a technical conference held on October 5, 2001, Potential Benefits of Biotechnology to Agriculture in Africa and the Caribbean (2001).
New Zealand Royal Commission, Report of the New Zealand Royal Commission on Genetic Modification (2001).
Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Science and the Future of Mankind: Science for Man and Man for Science, "Study Document on the Use of 'Genetically Modified Food Plants' to Combat Hunger in the World" by Nicola Cabibbo (2001). (pdf)
Royal Society, Genetically Modified Plants for Food Use and Human Health-An Update (February 2002). (pdf)
Royal Society of London, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, Mexican Academy of Sciences, and Third World Academy of Sciences, Transgenic Plants and World Agriculture (2000).
International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) (2005) (pdf)
International Council for Science
National Academies Press
World Health Organization (pdf)
Food Standards Australia/New Zealand
National Academy of Science (Italian)
Societa Italiana Genetica Agraria (SIGA) (pdf)
Italian Association of the Agricultural Science Societies (pdf)

Online Video Game Released Exploring GM Organisms

Abstract: A new online game developed by professors at Dartmouth and New York Universities was recently released. The game is said to offer “an exploration of the issues surrounding genetically modified organisms.” For more information on the game click on the link below.

Source: GMO Belus

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Farmers Receive lower crop insurance premiums with biotech crops

Abstract: Reuters published a story in mid-August on the approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of a expanded risk management program that will lower crop insurance premiums for producers planting at least 75 percent of their crop with an approved biotech variety. The program is an expanded version of a 2008 pilot that will include additional states as well as additional corn hybrids from not only Monsanto but also DuPont Co's Pioneer Hi-Bred, Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences. One member commented that he was interested in whether this is significant for farmers in the U.S. Another member responded with a link to the GMO Belus blog, saying that producers are saving around $3 an acre.

Sources: Reuters
GMO Belus blog

EU Study Finds GM Foods Not Harmful to Public Health

Abstract: A member posted an article from the European Voice on the findings of a study by the European Commission’s scientific advisory body, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), on the health effects of GM food products. The study, commissioned by MEPs whom “have fiercely opposed a relaxation of rules on GMs,” found “no evidence that genetically modified foods have harmful effects on public health.” Several members questioned whether this would affect the opinions of EU’s political scene, most agreeing that it likely would not.

Source: European Voice

US News Program Posts “one-sided” piece on GM Foods

Abstract: A member posted a link to an MSNBC video titled “Can biotech crops solve food crisis?” The video, which includes commentary from three anti-GM activists and one scientist, is clearly biased against GM foods, many members pointed out. It was suggested that members write into MSNBC to express their disappointment on the balance of the news segment.

Source: MSNBC Video

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