National Geographic: GM crops improve food productivity and help feed the world
The July 2011 issue of National Geographic discusses the role of genetically modified crops in increasing food productivity and meeting hunger needs around the world. Read more.
Kenya plans to release first GM cotton crop
Business Daily, a Kenyan publication, says the country will release seeds for its first genetically modified cotton crop in 2014. The article says the technology will benefit farmers because it will double yields and is part of the government’s efforts to increase the value of small-scale farming and to mitigate rural poverty. Read more.
Biotechnology becoming more widely adopted globally
According to Pioneer Press, biotechnology is becoming more widely adopted around the world and “it has made crop farming easier” and more competitive. Read more.
Reuters: Australia could boost productivity if farmers adopt biotechnology
According to Reuters, the Australian government’s chief commodities forecaster says there is “a strong case for more farmers to adopt innovative technologies.” The article points out that genetically modified crops can significantly help boost productivity. Read more.
Kenyan agriculture secretary says GM maize will help achieve food security
A top government official in Kenya says the adoption of GM maize is important for helping the country achieve food security, Business Daily Africa reports. Kenyan agriculture secretary Wilson Songa said, “To ensure that Kenyan farmers produce enough food to feed ourselves, the solution must be a radical change to agriculture and GMO is the solution.” Read more.
TIME: biotech seeds improve productivity of US farming
TIME discusses the contributions of US agriculture to fueling economic growth, noting that biotech seeds help the environment and improve crop yields.
The article points out, “a number of innovations have made U.S. farmers significantly more productive than they were just two decades ago. Bioengineered seeds mean they can use smaller amounts of pesticides and water.” Read more.
Wall Street Journal: Chinese companies investing in biotech
According to the Wall Street Journal, a large Chinese seed producer plans to expand its development of agricultural biotechnology to help feed the world’s most populous nation. This is “an important sign of China’s growing appetite for U.S. crops and biotechnology.” Read more.
Chinese government promotes benefits of biotechnology
According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech (ISAAA), the State Councilor of China, Liu Yandong, expressed the Chinese Government’s support for biotechnology and its important role in feeding the world at the 2011 International Conference for Bioeconomy (BioEco) held in Tianjin, China.
Mr. Liu said, “Biotechnology is one of the most promising and dynamic areas of science and technology. Every step forward for biotechnology will have a far-reaching influence on human health, economy, and social development. The Chinese Government is willing to join hands with other countries to promote biotechnology and bio-industry.” Read more.
Report: UK House of Lords calls on EU to support biotech innovation
The UK’s House of Lords Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment EU Subcommittee released a report on innovation in EU agriculture that urges policymakers to support biotechnology. The findings of a year-long investigation into EU agriculture emphasize the importance of increased investment in scientific research and a more “innovation-friendly” regulatory approach. Read the full report.
BIO Convention panel says biotech regulations harm American competitiveness
Regulatory hurdles for biotech crop approval could harm America’s competitiveness in the global market, BNA reports from a CBI-sponsored panel at the BIO International Convention. “Requiring genetically modified crops to be approved by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Agriculture Department drives up the cost of production,” said Dr. Roger Beachy, president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and former Chief Scientist at the USDA. Read more.
Author Stewart Brand: Environmentalists should support biotech
In Dr. Pamela Ronald’s science blog Tomorrow’s Table, eminent author and well-known environmental leader Stewart Brand discusses why environmentalists should consider biotech to help feed the world. Mr. Brand reviews a seminar given by Peter Kareiva, the chief scientist of the Nature Conservancy. Read more.
Kenya plans to approve GM maize to mitigate food shortages
According to Reuters, Kenya plans to approve genetically modified (GM) maize to alleviate food shortages. “The maize shortage threatens to cripple the supply of flour in the country after six major millers closed their main plants, and millers said GM would curb future shortfalls,” the article points out. Read more.
