News
2014-01-06 | permalink
USA: Battle rumbling over GMO labeling
A GMO labeling battle is rumbling in the United States, with those demanding full disclosure of genetically modified organisms in food products pitted against big companies.
Bangkok Post: USA: Battle rumbling over GMO labeling2014-01-05 | permalink
Malta: Naxxar local council to ban use of herbicides to control weeds
The Naxxar local council is planning to prohibit the use of herbicides to control weeds after a motion was presented to the council calling for its ban, while it also intends issuing a call for tender for bidders willing to abide by the council’s decision and use alternative methods to kill weeds, this newspaper has learnt. At the time, this newspaper had learnt that one of the precautionary measures displayed on the label of the glyphosate-based weed killer used across the world, Roundup, recommends that the product is only used in fine weather and in temperatures not exceeding 25°Celsius. This argument had also been supported by the environment ministry.
2014-01-04 | permalink
Land-grab phenomenon threatens Africa
Critics question the wisdom of producing food for foreign consumption in regions where many go hungry — especially when the land deals displace local subsistence farmers. One way that local farmers can be served is by sharing with them the latest knowledge about small-scale, “agroecological” or low-input sustainable farming, which does not require costly agrochemicals, genetically modified seeds, and mechanised farm equipment in order to succeed. Agronomists have developed inexpensive ways to boost the productivity of small family plots, which can produce equal and, in some cases, higher yields than large plantations do.
2014-01-03 | permalink
Brazil delays approving terminator seed until Feb. 2014
Brazil’s Judicial Commission has tabled a bill allowing for genetically modified terminator seeds until February 2014, when it will again take up the topic. “Brazil is the frontline. If the agro-industry breaks the moratorium here, they’ll break it everywhere,” said Maria José Guazzelli, of Centro Ecológico, which represents a coalition of Brazilian NGOs.
2014-01-02 | permalink
New approach to identify ecological effects of releasing GE insects
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a new approach for identifying potential environmental effects of deliberate releases of genetically engineered (GE) insects.
