The Indian government's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has recommended the environmental release of genetically modified mustard, which paves the way for its commercial cultivation. The move comes amid opposition from green groups which say commercial cultivation of GM mustard could have an adverse impact on human health and food security. Those supporting commercial cultivation of GM crops say its benefits include greater food security due to increased yields. But Kavitha Kuruganti, the founder of the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture, said: "The claim that GM mustard will increase yield is not supported by the data submitted by the crop developers to the regulator." Asked if the recommendation for "environmental release" means a go-ahead of commercial cultivation, she said: "It has been approved for commercial release. They (the GEAC) are saying any test needed can be conducted after the environmental release." GMWatch

 

 

According to the journalist Colin Todhunter, GEAC's decision comes in a climate of serious conflicts of interest, sleight of hand and regulatory delinquency – not to mention outright fraud. Various high-level reports have advised against introducing GM food crops to India. These reports conclude that GM crops are unsuitable for India and that existing biosafety and regulatory procedures are inadequate. According to eminent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, these official reports attest to just how negligent India’s regulators are and to a serious lack of expertise on GM issues within official circles. Campaigner Aruna Rodrigues in 2016 petitioned India’s Supreme Court seeking a moratorium on the release of any GMOs into the environment pending a comprehensive, transparent and rigorous biosafety protocol in the public domain conducted by agencies of independent expert bodies, the results of which are made public. She said about GEAC's move on GM mustard: “India is suddenly faced with the deregulation of GMOs. This is disastrous and alarming, without ethics and a scientific rationale.” Countercurrents

 

 

A former employee of genetically engineered salmon producer AquaBounty has alleged that the company has committed numerous worker and consumer safety violations at its Indiana production facility. Braydon Humphrey shared photos and videos documenting contaminated water, toxic chemicals, and environmental damage. Some of the photos show “persistent contamination” of salmon tanks with unsafe levels of fibreglass particles and heavy metals. Videos show leaks of aerosolized hydrochloric acid, an issue Humphrey says continued even after he reported it. The plant discharged high levels of ammonia in water into the surrounding watershed. AquaBounty lost one third of its initial GM salmon stock during its first-feeding systems due to fungus that infected the fish. The company denies the allegations. Agfundernews.com

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible by readers’ donations. Please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you!