In
This Issue:
26 DAYS
LEFT BEFORE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY ENTERS INTO FORCE:
Necessary Action, Preparations, and Considerations before 11th September
2003
This document (http://www.isaaa.org/kc/Bin/Issues/Cartagena/index.htm)
contains background information, action required, frequently
asked questions about the Protocol (e.g. what institutional
arrangements does the Protocol require at the national
level? What is the difference between signing and ratifying
the Protocol? What are the benefits of becoming a Party
to the Protocol?), and useful references and links (e.g.
a list of requirements that need to be fulfilled as the
date of entry comes into force and a checklist of obligations
found in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety).
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BRAZIL
JUDGE LIFTS BAN ON GM SEEDS
Federal
judge Selene Maria de Almeida lifted a ban preventing Monsanto
Co. from selling genetically modified (GM) soybean seeds in Brazil.
She argued that the ban on the sale of Roundup Ready soybeans,
which took effect in 2000, is to be lifted until the court issues
a definitive judgment.
Monsanto
wants the seeds legalized to stop widespread illicit use in Brazil
of its GM soybean seeds. Brazilian growers have been using seeds
smuggled into Brazil from neighboring countries. An estimated 17
percent of the country's soybean crop are grown from the seeds.
Brazil is the second largest producer of soybean after the US.
Two
other judges who also serve on the appeals panel are still to make
their decision regarding the ban. De Almeida, however, saw no legal
or scientific reasons for banning the product.
See
the Reuters news article in http://www.monsanto.co.uk/news/ukshowlib.phtml?uid=7372
US AND EC AGREE
ON FRAMEWORK FOR AGRI NEGOTIATIONS
The
United States and the European Union have developed a joint framework
on expediting agricultural negotiations which have been dividing
them. It focuses on three areas: domestic support, market access,
and export competition.
US Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman says that the two trading blocs were
able to significantly narrow their differences regarding World Trade Organization
agricultural issues.
This
was concurred by EU Commission for Trade Pascal Lamy who added
that they were able to “close some of the gaps that have
until now stalled the negotiating process on agriculture.” The
framework provides an outline of how to carry on the negotiations
particularly on future commitments to be negotiated.
In addition,
the framework recognizes the importance for flexibility and in
recognizing the concept of sensitive products for reasons of development
and food security in developing countries. A special safeguard
is envisaged for developing countries to protect sensitive products
from excessive imports. There will also be a clear stance on food
aid programs to prevent misuse and interpretation of matters related
to the transaction of state trading enterprises.
For
more details see http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/08/0287.htm or http://www.europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&
doc=IP/03/1160|0|RAPID&lg=EN
BT CORN GAINS
POPULARITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Farmers
from Dingras and Vintar, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines recently
expressed the benefits they gained from planting Bt corn. They
say that this GM crop has increased their harvest yields and profits.
Further, the farmers stated that they liked planting Bt corn because
it is pest-resistant, high yielding, and the corn kernels are bigger
than the traditional variety they used to plant.
These
were the testimonials that farmers made during a recent media encounter
sponsored by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study
and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Biotechnology Information
Center held at the Mariano Marcos State University in Paoay, Ilocos
Norte.
Last February, the farmers were convinced to plant Bt corn by the Provincial
Office of the Department of Agriculture, and the Provincial Government, who
wanted to test- pilot the Bt corn on 10 hectares. The farmers were given soft
loans to procure Monsanto’s YieldGard variety, fertilizers, and the necessary
labor.
Meanwhile,
the Provincial Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services
in Batangas has declared that Bt corn is safe for human and animal
consumption, and does not pose risks to the environment.
Also,
a risk management study, headed by Dr. Saturnina Halos, Chairman,
Agricultural Biotechnology Advisory team, was conducted in accordance
with the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8,
which served as the basis for the government to allow the sale
of Bt corn. According to Halos, Bt corn is just as nutritious and
healthy like other native varieties, and does not bear allergens.
News
stories on Bt corn can be downloaded at http://www.searca.org/~bic.
KENYAN PARLIAMENT
LACK BIOTECH AWARENESS
Members
of the Kenyan Parliament have low level of understanding on biotechnology.
This was the sentiment during a biosafety workshop sponsored by
the Africa Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) in collaboration
with Tuskegee University and the National Council of Science and
Technology. Held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, the workshop
attracted over 150 participants. The workshop tackled developments
in biotechnology and biosafety policy, and biotechnology strategies
impacting on agricultural production.
The
discussion on biotechnology enabled the participants to appreciate
the role that biotechnology can play in enhancing agricultural
output. The members of Parliament challenged the scientists and
ABSF to bridge the gap between them.
The
members of Parliament strongly felt there was a need for more information
on biotechnology and biosafety. Some of their suggestions include:
- Further
exposure in the area of biotechnology for the parliamentarians
and public in general
- Traveling
workshops to appreciate impacts of biotechnology, i.e. to countries
that have already adopted and implemented agri-biotechnology
- Need
to address the concerns already expressed about genetic modification
- Visits
to labs in the country undertaking molecular biology research
- Conduct
of field days with farmers involved in biotech projects. /Kenya
Biotechnology Information Centre (KBIC)
GE CORN WITH INCREASED VITAMIN E CONTENT
Scientists
from the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service
(USDA-ARS) have developed a new method of engineering plants like
corn to contain significant levels of the antioxidant Vitamin E.
Vitamin
E applies to eight naturally occurring forms of compounds known
as tocotrienols and tocopherols. Edgar B. Cahoon of the USDA-ARS
Plant Genetics Research Unit and his colleagues investigated the
pathway that leads to tocopherols. The researchers isolated the
genes that encode enzymes to increase the production of Vitamin
E up to 10 to 15 times more than non-engineered plants. In corn
seeds, the increase was sixfold. The authors noted in the September
issue of Nature Biotechnology that their results "demonstrate
the ability to enhance the antioxidant content of crops by the
introduction of an enzyme that redirects metabolic flux."
Additional
benefits of the discovery, when the process is refined, include
plants that will be more resistant to oxidative stresses, leading
to seeds that can be stored longer and improved crop productivity.
In addition, vegetable oils manufactured from the seeds would have
an extended shelf life.
An article
on Vitamin E enhanced corn is available online at http://www.sciam.com/article
.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=00070A6C-AF2C-1F2A-A90580A84189EF21
INDIA’S
GM RICE
Scientists
at the Directorate of Rice Research (DRR) in Hyderabad, India have
undertaken a research that would produce genetically modified (GM)
rice that has resistance against six diseases. The new GM rice
is hoped to have the capability of protecting itself against stem
borers, brown plant hoppers, gall midge, blast, sheath blight,
and bacterial leaf blight.
In an
interview with Deccan Herald, Dr. B Mishra, DRR Project Director,
stated that the durable, multiple-pest resistant rice is expected
to be ready for the market by 2006. Mishra added that the six diseases
mentioned contribute to significant financial losses since rice
is being cultivated in about 45 million hectares in India.
At present,
the DRR is in the process of developing the GM rice variety by
inserting genes against stem borer and gall midge, and crossing
it with other varieties. Read the full news story at http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug04/n3.asp.
SCIENTISTS ALTERS
LIGNIN IN GM ASPEN TREES
Scientists
from the North Carolina State University, and the US Dairy Forage
Research Center modified the multiple lignin traits in aspen trees
(Populus tremuloides) using an Agrobacterium-mediated cotransformation
system.
“Lignin” is
a complex compound that is indigestible by animals and impairs
the preparation of paper from wood. This compound is a major component
in all trees. This research breakthrough is said to be good news
for the pulp and paper industries.
Scientists
were able to regenerate 48 genetically modified plants after cocultivating
leaf tissues with mixtures from four different Agrobacterium strains.
Out of these 48 GM plants, 19% contained at least three to four
of the trans-gene constructs. Using these constructs, the scientists
then applied this system in aspen trees to manipulate the lignin
content and S/G ratio.
Research
results showed that there was a reduction, by 45% to 50%, in the
lignin content of the GM aspen trees, an increase of cellulose
by 30%, and S/G and cellulose/lignin ratios that were relatively
higher. The GM aspen trees were also noted to grow faster.
The
full report was published in the Information Systems for Biotechnology
News Report, August 2003 edition. It can also be downloaded at http://gophisb.biochem.vt.edu/news/2003/news03.Aug.html.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
2002
GLOBAL STATUS OF GM CROPS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Preview:
The Global Status of Commercialized Transgenic Crops: 2002 written
by Dr. Clive James, chair of the International Service for the
Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), is now available
online at http://www.isaaa.org/kc/Bin/Global/index.htm.
ISAAA Brief No. 27 contains a glimpse into the global status of
transgenic crops in 2002 which grew for the sixth consecutive year
at a sustained growth rate of more than 10 percent.
The
estimated global area of transgenic crops is 58.7 million hectares
or 145 million acres, grown by about 5.5 to 6.0 million farmers
in 16 countries, up from approximately 5 million farmers and 13
countries in 2001.
BIO HOSTS BIO VENTUREFORUM WEST 2003
The
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will host the BIO VentureForum
West 2003 on October 14 to 16, 2003 in San Francisco, California,
USA. This forum is considered as the leading investor conference
for life sciences companies seeking seed, early- and late-stage
equity funding.
The
Advisory Board, which is composed of the industry’s scientists,
venture capitalists, business leaders, and private investors, will
screen and select 130 biotechnology companies seeking private funding,
who will then be made to present their business plans to an international
audience during the said Conference.
Workshops
on financing, drug development, commercialization strategies, mergers
and acquisitions, and other issues of concern to biotech entrepreneurs
and executives will also be featured.
More
details can be downloaded at http://www.bio.org/newsroom/newsitem.asp?id=2003_0813_01. | 
