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October 1998

Feeding the World
October 1998, National Geographic
"Water will flow uphill", T.R. Reid discovered as he undertook his fieldwork for "Feeding the World" in the October 1998 issue of National Geographic. Reid reports on the many ways that water equals life, all over the planet.

BASF's Five-Year GM Crop Target
30/10/98, Farmers Weekly
Chemical giant BASF has launched a catch-up strategy to produce genetically modified crops within five years.

Plant Geneticist Identifies Drought-Tolerant Gene
28/10/98, University of Toronto (Press Release)
Lawns that need less watering. Crops that survive longer with little rain or irrigation. Vegetables that stay fresher in the market. Bouquets that stay fragrant for weeks.

EC To Urgently Resolve Pending Regulatory Issues Concerning Deliberate Release Of GMOs
On The Market
28/10/98, EuropaBio (News Release)
During a press lunch at EuropaBios 2nd Biotechnology Congress in Brussels, the revision of the EU-Directive 90/220 for permitting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the market came under severe criticism.

Speech by Commissioner Emma Bonino at the Opening Ceremony of EuropaBio'98 in Brussels
28/10/98, Commission of the European Communities
Food safety is a joint responsibility of agriculture, industry and public authorities. The consumer, who is the last link of the chain, has also its own responsibilities.

Safe Climate, Sound Business
27/10/98, Monsanto Company (Press Release)
Industrial Leaders and Environmental Group Announce Actions to Address Climate Change: Automotive, Agriculture, and Energy Companies Propose Emission Reduction Steps.

Scientists Co-Operate On GM Field Trial
17/10/98, Scottish Farmer
Scientists at five research centres across Britain have embarked on a four year long field trial programme on genetically modified (GM) crops to create a management blueprint for possible future arable systems.

Biotechnologies: Information For Better Understanding
15/10/98, Le Quotidien Du Médecin
According to Professor Guy-Grand, the development of biotechnologies is an evolution that is indubitably inevitable.

Nobel Laureates, World Political and Agricultural Leaders Call for Continued Advances in Biotechnology
15/10/98, Monsanto Company (Press Release)
Stating that "this science can help make a dramatic difference in millions of lives," 50 prominent global political, scientific and agricultural leaders, including two Nobel Laureates, today hailed the benefits of biotechnology as an "important tool" for meeting the looming challenge of global hunger in the next century.

Monsanto and American Home Products Agree to End Merger Plans
13/10/98, Monsanto Company (Press Release)
Monsanto Company and American Home Products Corporation announced today that they have terminated their merger agreement by mutual consent.

Monsanto Implements Plans For Financing Mechanisms
13/10/98, Monsanto Company (Press Release)
Monsanto Company is implementing plans for financing over the next few years to ensure the company has the financial flexibility it needs as it completes pending acquisitions and prepares for the commercialization of its new product pipeline.

Op Ed By Professor Michael Wilson
09/10/98, Farming News
When Jose MacDonald raised the issue of ladybirds being damaged by GM potatoes (FN, Aug 28), through feeding on the affected aphids, she was demonstrating a general misunderstanding of the scientific rationale, significance and conclusions of work carried out at the SCRI on GM potatoes, aphids and ladybirds.

Label Law Does Little To Spur GM Crop Progress
09/10/98, Farmers Weekly
New EU regulations requiring all foods which contain genetically modified crop products to carry clear labels do not go far enough to speed the technology's arrival on European farms.

Consumers Are Buying GM Product
09/10/98, Farmers Weekly
Any attempt to block the introduction of genetically modified foods is futile and unnecessary.

Scientists Sitting On A Goldmine With Plants That Absorb Precious Metals
08/10/98, The Scotsman
Money may not grow on trees, but scientists believe they could soon be harvesting crops of gold by encouraging plants to "mine" precious metals.

High Court Rejects Grounds Of Challenge To
Beet Trials
07/10/98, The Irish Times
The High Court yesterday cleared the way for field trials of genetically-modified crops in the State when it upheld the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to permit controversial trials of genetically-engineered sugar beet in Co Carlow.

Today's High Court Case
06/10/98, Monsanto Company (Press Release)
"We are very pleased with the courts decision, particularly its comprehensive nature and the fact that a standard for risk assessment of GMO field trials has been set."