09/February/21

 

Two GMO crop researchers have published an incisive peer-reviewed commentary denouncing pro-GMO hype, especially from the point of view of the harm it can do in the Global South. The summary of their article reads: "Lack of critical assessment and responsible reporting of proof-of-concept agricultural biotechnologies such as CRISPR–Cas can delay innovation, jeopardise public trust and waste resources, especially in the Global South. In this commentary, we propose solutions to facilitate a more responsible innovation pipeline and to realize the potential of biotechnology in agriculture." GMWatch

 

 

Japan granted approval in January 2021 for the first "CRISPR tomatoes" to be used in food production. The tomatoes contain a much higher concentration of a plant compound (GABA) compared to those derived from conventional breeding. GABA (γ-Aminobutyric acid) can diminish the transmission of specific signals in the central nervous system which may, amongst others, cause lower blood pressure. These changes also can cause unintended health effects at the stage of consumption. In addition, the plants can show unexpected reactions to environmental stresses, which can again have an impact on the safety of food products. Testbiotech

 

 

Farmer Will Evans believes that the UK government's plan to deregulate gene editing is a bad idea that will undermine consumer trust in the food supply. He says the EU stance on gene editing isn’t anti-science, despite what the Brexiters with their irrational grudges would have you believe. It’s just pro-consumer. And UK agriculture would do well to be the same. Farmers Weekly

 

 

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said it had found eight companies and research institutes that illegally produced or carried out research on GM seeds. The companies included two seed marketing companies and two corn breeders who were producing GM corn seed. The ministry said seeds were confiscated and the companies fined. China does not permit the production or planting of GM corn. The ministry also highlighted four cases of illegal research into GM cotton. Successful Farming