The release of GM trees is closer than it has ever been. Ironically, it could be the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) — the organisation that claims to “promote the responsible management of the world’s forests” through its certification programme — that opens the door to the commercialisation of GM trees. Many paper products around the world carry the FSC logo, signifying compliance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s standards. At the moment, this logo means that FSC-certified companies are not allowed to commercially plant GM trees. However, FSC is preparing to revisit its prohibition on GE trees. But GM trees present vast uncertainties and pose a wide range of new, unique risks to forests and other ecosystems, according to a new report from the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network and the Campaign to STOP GE Trees. Counterpunch

 

 

Kenya’s new president says the Cabinet has “effectively” lifted the country’s ban on openly cultivating genetically modified crops, reversing a decade-old decision. Many African countries have bans on GMOs, amid concerns about potentially harmful effects on smallholder farms, existing crops, the environment and people’s long-term health. AP News

 

 

Food security experts and activists have condemned the move by the Kenyan government to lift the ban on GM crops. They pegged their disgruntlement on the lack of public participation provided by the constitution and further, expressed socioeconomic and public deception concerns. They also questioned the capacity of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) to regulate GMOs effectively. Emmanuel Atamba, a food and farming systems expert from the Route to Food organisation, said GMO farming would open the market to US farmers. He said GMOs depend on highly sophisticated technology and highly subsidised farming, which could disadvantage local farmers. Atamba said Kenya would also heavily depend on western technology for seed imports since GMO seeds cannot be replanted. The Standard

 

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