Biotech Updates

Cuba Set to Embrace Biotech

December 12, 2008

Genetically modified plants may soon take roots in Cuba, according to Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Director Carlos Borroto. The country hopes that by adopting GM crops, it will free itself of agricultural imports. Cuba currently has to import more than 50 percent of its food. Insect and herbicide-resistant transgenic maize varieties developed by Cuban scientists are currently in the farm trial phase in the provinces of La Habana, Santa Clara, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba, according to a report by Granma Internacional. Cuban research institutes are also working hard to develop genetically modified soy, potatoes and tomatoes.

Read the original article at http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2008/diciembre/juev11/corn.html