Products available in the EU containing the food enzyme alpha-amylase are often contaminated with antibiotic resistance genes from genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs). This is shown by a recent market surveillance by the Belgian health authority Sciensano. It found intact antibiotic resistance genes in almost 48 per cent of the enzyme preparations examined. Sciensano warns of health risks from the potential transfer of these genes to pathogens or microorganisms in the intestinal microbiome. According to the authority, it also needs to be clarified whether or not contamination with DNA from GMMs in the EU falls under GMO Regulation 1829/2003. Alpha-amylases are among the most popular enzymes in the food industry. As they can be used to break down starch, companies use them as processing aids in various areas - for example in the production of beer, wine, spirits, fruit juices and baked goods. According to the Food Enzyme Database, 38 different alpha-amylases obtained from microorganisms are currently marketable in the EU. Half of these come from GMMs. SAG (article in German)

 

 

Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has clarified that it has not given approval for the commercialisation of 14 GM maize and soybean products approved by the Ghana National Biosafety Authority (NBA). In a press statement issued on April 10, MoFA's Public Relations unit said "MoFA has not, through its National Variety Release and Registration Committee (NVRRC) of the National Seed Council (NSC) approved the commercialisation of the maize and soya products as approved by NBA." The ministry went on to state categorically that "these released products should not and must not be used as seeds in Ghana". This comes amid concerns raised by some commercial and smallholder farmers and aggregators about the registration and approval given to the 14 GM crops by the NBA under the Biosafety Act of 2011. Modern Ghana

 

 

Stop The Spray BC (STS) has been campaigning in 2024 to end the use of glyphosate by companies working in the forest. West Fraser (WF), founded in Quesnel and now one of Canada’s largest forestry companies, has announced not only are they not using glyphosate any longer, they actually halted its use in British Columbia in 2019, and all other herbicides too. “The effects of herbicides like glyphosate on public forests is poorly understood but one thing is abundantly clear,” said STS founder James Steidle, who grew up farming and foresting in the Punchaw Lake area northwest of Quesnel. “We are systematically and relentlessly growing drier, more flammable, lower biodiversity, conifer plantations that are ill-equipped to deal with a rapidly changing climate.” Quesnel Cariboo Observer

 

 

Rick Clark, a no-till organic farmer from Indiana, recently encouraged a group of farmers at a field day to move away from synthetic pesticides. “Eliminate all of these caustic inputs that are harming our bodies. We can farm without all these inputs,” he said. “Let’s figure out how to move forward and make it happen.” He added, “This is about building soil health and human health.” Clark said he began with no-till farming and cover crops but now farms organically with no-till and diversified cover crops. “No-till organic is hard,” he said. “But I am particular about doing things a different way.” Over time, Clark eliminated the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. “We are at the point of almost $200 an acre in savings of inputs,” he said. The Organic & Non-GMO Report

 

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