Organic news archive: April 2004
Syngenta will continue with plans to develop genetically modified wheat, the agrochemicals group said on Tuesday, despite a decision by rival Monsanto to suspend its own program after protests. Syngenta has field trials currently in Germany and Spain for genetically modified wheat, and it will likely take several years for the development of its own product. (www.agprofessional.com)
Scientists have warned that GM farming could create a new generation of 'superbugs' that are resistant to pesticides. They say such indestructible insects would devastate both GM and conventional crops. Their study � led by Professor Bruce Tabashnik, who helped draw up U.S. guidelines on GM crops � is likely to lead to a worldwide review of GM farming. His study, at the University of Arizona, investigated a variety of corn which has been genetically modified to contain a pesticide � known as Bt � in its leaves and stem, because GM firms believed farmers would find it easier and cheaper than spraying. However, Professor Tabashnik now believes that the way the crop is grown may mean the insects become resistant to its lethal effects. (Sean Poulter in the Daily Mail)
Helen Steel and Dave Morris, the "McLibel two", will be back in court in September. Two years ago, Steel and Morris went to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that their epic court action with McDonald's breached their Article 6 right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. Last week the court declared their claim admissable, and in September the case will be heard in full. A ruling is expected on whether multinational corporations have the right to sue for libel. ('Eco Soundings', in the Guardian)
Monsanto, the US biotechnology company, have shelved plans to introduce GM wheat into world markets after admitting there was too little demand for the product. The move � a significant reversal of company strategy � follows strong consumer and farmer resistance to GM wheat in Europe and North America. This year, the Canadian Wheat Board warned that any introduction of GM wheat could devastate its wheat industry. Monsanto has spent seven years and hundreds of million
Syngenta will continue with plans to develop genetically modified wheat, the agrochemicals group said on Tuesday, despite a decision by rival Monsanto to suspend its own program after protests. Syngenta has field trials currently in Germany and Spain for genetically modified wheat, and it will likely take several years for the development of its own product. (www.agprofessional.com)
Scientists have warned that GM farming could create a new generation of 'superbugs' that are resistant to pesticides. They say such indestructible insects would devastate both GM and conventional crops. Their study � led by Professor Bruce Tabashnik, who helped draw up U.S. guidelines on GM crops � is likely to lead to a worldwide review of GM farming. His study, at the University of Arizona, investigated a variety of corn which has been genetically modified to contain a pesticide � known as Bt � in its leaves and stem, because GM firms believed farmers would find it easier and cheaper than spraying. However, Professor Tabashnik now believes that the way the crop is grown may mean the insects become resistant to its lethal effects. (Sean Poulter in the Daily Mail)
Helen Steel and Dave Morris, the "McLibel two", will be back in court in September. Two years ago, Steel and Morris went to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that their epic court action with McDonald's breached their Article 6 right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. Last week the court declared their claim admissable, and in September the case will be heard in full. A ruling is expected on whether multinational corporations have the right to sue for libel. ('Eco Soundings', in the Guardian)
Monsanto, the US biotechnology company, have shelved plans to introduce GM wheat into world markets after admitting there was too little demand for the product. The move � a significant reversal of company strategy � follows strong consumer and farmer resistance to GM wheat in Europe and North America. This year, the Canadian Wheat Board warned that any introduction of GM wheat could devastate its wheat industry. Monsanto has spent seven years and hundreds of million