| UK government promises industry it will never find out if a “new GMO” harms health or environment On 13 May the Genetic Technology Act 2023 – the legislation that removes so-called “precision bred” genetically modified plants and animals from GMO regulatory safeguards in England – was signed into law by Minister Daniel Zeichner. While we’ve known from the start that this was a badly written and scientifically bankrupt law, it has been made far worse by the wording of Zeichner’s secondary legislation that puts it into effect. It’s no surprise that the resulting legislation unscientifically assumes that “precision bred” GMOs – PB-GMOs for short – are no different and no more risky than conventionally bred organisms. But what is extraordinary – and likely unprecedented in GMO regulations anywhere in the world – is that the secondary legislation also forbids government regulators from ever finding out that a PB-GMO is different from, and more risky than, conventionally bred organisms. Even when it is. In effect, the government regulators have blindfolded themselves and tied their own hands behind their backs, so that they will never trace the origin of any harm to health or the environment that may caused by a PB-GMO. GMWatch New GMOs: Freedom of choice only possible through mandatory labelling, warn civil society organisations While the agri-industry lobby is pushing the European institutions to remove freedom of choice for consumers by preventing the labelling of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) obtained by new GM techniques (new genomic techniques, NGTs) on our food, over 40 European and national organisations, including GMWatch, are warning of the urgent need to protect consumer's rights and maintain European legislation on labelling and traceability. The trilogue process between the Council, Commission and European Parliament is in progress and the next key meeting is planned for 30 June. The European Parliament's agreed position included on-package labelling of all products containing NGTs. They must hold tight to this position and not be pushed into a compromise on consumer information, demand the signers of the statement. GMWatch New film showcases what's wrong with the food and farming system and how we can put it right – book your tickets now! An incisive and inspiring new film looks at what's gone wrong with food and farming (including the GMO and pesticides treadmill) and points to ways we can put them back on track towards greater sustainability and resilience. Directed by Helena Berndl and Francesco Maria Gallo, In Symbiosis features interviews with experts from across the world, including regenerative farmers, molecular geneticist Prof Michael Antoniou, GMWatch's Claire Robinson, and Dr Vandana Shiva. The world premiere is at the Raindance Film Festival in London on 24 and 25 June. Book your tickets now! GMWatch comment on Raindance announcement Kenyan smallholders farmers should not be punished by law for sharing, selling and exchanging indigenous seeds (video) In Kenya, farmers are protesting against the punitive seed law that criminalises sharing, selling and exchanging indigenous seeds. They say the law is a threat to food security and only favours large-scale farmers. News Night, via Nasike Claire Akello on X New Zealand: Risks of the Gene Technology Bill New Zealand's Gene Technology Bill may soon slip GMOs onto people's dinner plates without them knowing. Claire Bleakley, President of GE Free NZ, explains the risks of this bill to the public's food choices. GE Honesty GM mosquitoes company Oxitec now launches non-GMO production facility Oxitec, which for years has been trying to market its GMO mosquitoes around the world in the name of reducing mosquito-borne diseases, is now producing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Brazil. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium that biocontrol companies are using to reduce mosquitoes’ ability to transmit dengue and other diseases. It's a non-GMO approach. Oxitec claims its Wolbachia infected mozzies are "capable of protecting up to 100 million people threatened by dengue". Oddly enough, Oxitec previously opposed Wolbachia use in California. Meanwhile Oxitec wants to release its GM mosquitoes in Queensland, Australia. A public consultation on the plan has opened and lasts until 7 July. GMWatch comment on Oxitec press release Gene drive: Communication, hype, and the public An article in the Journal of Medical Entomology critically reflects on the hype surrounding gene drive technologies, a novel self-spreading form of genetic modification that is designed to engineer entire populations of wild species. The author, a specialist in vector-borne diseases at the University of Montpellier, France, concludes that current communication around gene drives “often borders on propaganda rather than fostering a balanced, 2-way dialogue”. As such, “Research institutions must also exercise caution when promoting scientific advancements in press releases and media, ensuring that accurate, reliable information reaches the public.” The rhetoric surrounding gene drive technologies is often couched in pessimistic language regarding "conventional" tools. The narrow biomedical focus of such discussions also fails to consider systemic forces of vector borne disease, and “often falls short in critically examining health policies or calling for socioeconomic changes”. Third World Network Biotech company Synthego, after raising $392 million, forced into bankruptcy Synthego, a Bay Area biotech startup that won hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for its gene editing gene therapy products and therapeutics, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. Synthego was launched by two ex-employees of SpaceX, who pivoted from the goal of automating scientific research toward developing tech that helps researchers use CRISPR gene-editing technology. SF Gate We hope you’ve found this newsletter interesting. It was made possible by GMWatch supporters. To become one, please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you! __________________________________________________________ Website: http://www.gmwatch.org
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