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June 2000

Area Planted With Transgenic Crops Up In 1999
29/6/2000, ISAAA
The area planted with genetically engineered (GE) crops worldwide jumped to 39.9 million hectares in 1999, an increase of 44%, according to a new brief by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). The report, "Global Review of Commercialized Transgenic Crops: 1999" details trends in GE crop use.

World Needs GM Crops, Says UN Food Chief
29/6/2000, Knowledge Center
According to the Financial Times, Jacques Diouf, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) gave genetically-modified (GM) organisms his backing on Wednesday, saying new plant and animal varieties were needed to feed a burgeoning world population.

Irrational Fear In The Age Of Biotechnology
26/6/2000, Bridge News
We are standing on a great peak and a new country lies at our feet. But not everyone wants to explore this realm of adventure, or to face up to the scientific, moral and philosophical challenges that must be encountered on the pilgrimage. For me the saddest thing of all in this battle has been that first casualty of all wars, honesty. The attack on biotechnology in agriculture has been the fiercest and it has been characterized by the willful misuse of science.

Will Frankenfood Feed The World?
19/6/2000, Time Magazine
Biotech is not a panacea, but it does promise to transform agriculture in many developing countries. If that promise is not fulfilled, the real losers will be their people, who could suffer for years to come.

Without GM We Would Both Be Dead By Now
15/6/2000, University of Bristol
During a recent debate, a young man decided he would make a dramatic protest about all forms of technology, especially the evils of genetically modified (GM) anything. Only through a concerted campaign of public education, and freedom of information, might we discover sufficient truth to make rational choices and negate those protesting and manipulating, or being manipulated, by the media.

GM Technology Does Deliver
14/6/2000, Monsanto
In response to the article "Research Backs Charles: GM Crops Don't Deliver", which has been published in last Sunday's Independent, Monsanto has received a copy of a letter sent to the newspaper for publication, which it reprints in full.

Minister's Plea Over GM Crops
11/6/2000, The Scotsman
Speaking at the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Dundee, where he opened a £1.6 million glasshouse research facility, Mr Home Robertson, the deputy minister for rural affairs, said the science behind genetically modified crops should not be rejected out of hand.

Biotechnology: Building Consumer Acceptance
10/6/2000, European Commission
Speaking at the European Business Summit in Brussels, Commissioner Byrne said that to restore citizens’ confidence in crop and food biotechnology we need to have better and comprehensible information.

Royals In Clash Over GM Foods
6/6/2000, The Evening Chronicle
A royal rift has developed over genetically-modified crops, with the Duke of Edinburgh joining the Princess Royal in playing down concerns in remarks which appear to contradict the views of the Prince of Wales.

New GM Advisory Body Is 'Your Voice In Government'
5/6/2000, Cabinet Office
A new independent strategic body was launched to advise the government on biotechnology. The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) will advise the government on any GM issues that have an impact on agriculture and the environment. It will also look at the ethical and acceptability issues surrounding GM technology.

Anne Backs GM Food
4/6/2000, Sunday Express
Princess Anne came out in favour of genetically modified foods - in direct opposition to the views of the Prince of Wales. The Princess will further infuriate her brother because she also questions the level of importance given to organic produce.

Expert Predicts Strong GM Future
2/6/2000, Farmers Weekly
Professor C S Prakash from the Center for Plant Biotechnology Research, Tukegee University, Alabama, views GM technology as a useful tool to feed a growing population as resources deplete.

U.S. - EU Cooperation On Biotechnology
1/6/2000, M2 Presswire
The U.S. and the EU have agreed to establish a Consultative Forum to review and assess the benefits and risks of biotechnology and prepare a report on these issues for the December 2000 U.S.-EU Summit. The Forum will include individuals from outside government covering a broad range of perspectives, expertise, and interests - people with backgrounds in academia and business, including scientists, ethicists, environmental interests, farmers, and consumers.

Cells Clue To Better Crops
1/6/2000, Belfast News Letter
Scientists have accelerated a plant's growth by making its cells split faster - a technique that could some day lead to heartier crops, shorter growing seasons and less use of herbicides.