Chinese seed expert calls for support of biotech innovations

According to China Daily, seed expert Liu Shi introduced insect-resistant genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds to help Chinese farmers overcome a worm plague that threatened to destroy the country’s cotton production. Known as “Golden Fingers” for his success, Mr. Liu says China should promote technology and research to spur innovation in the local seed industry. Read more.

Leading Kenyan scientists says opposition to GM crops threatens food security

A leading Kenyan scientist, Dr Felix M’mboyi, says Europe’s opposition to GM crops “could threaten food security” in the developing world, The Guardian reports.

Dr. M’mboyi said, “The affluent West has the luxury of choice in the type of technology they use to grow food crops, yet their influence and sensitivities are denying many in the developing world access to such technologies which could lead to a more plentiful supply of food.” Read more.

Wisconsin newspaper speaks to safety of genetically modified foods

The La Crosse Tribune, a Wisconsin publication, says “we have been genetically modifying our foods for thousands of years through a process called hybridization.” The article points out GM foods are safe since, “the difference is that now we have the technology to do this in a very precise way that we heretofore lacked.” Read more.

Top agriculture expert in China says country needs biotech for food security

According to China Daily, China has increasingly turned to biotechnology to boost food production.

Huang Jikun, director of the Center for Chinese Agriculture Policy at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said, “Advanced biotechnology will help guarantee China’s food security and benefit both farmers and consumers.” Read more.

Kenya’s Agriculture Minister calls for approval of GM crops

In the face of famine in the Horn of Africa, food security is gaining importance as an issue that must be addressed.

In the Nairobi Star, Kenya’s agriculture minister Sally Kosgei said genetically modified (GM) crops are safe and called for their adoption “to rescue starving Kenyans.”  Read more.