Archive for July, 2008

EU Rules Risk Creating Soybean Shortage

Source: Wall Street Journal
Date: July 31, 2008
BRUSSELS — Europe’s unease about genetically modified crops is threatening to create continent-wide shortages of soybeans, a crucial source of protein in the diet of Europe’s livestock.
The European Union’s strict regulations on genetically modified crops could prevent the import of millions of metric tons of new biotech soybeans [...]

Australian researcher wants more young people to study science

There’s this article about Professor Wynne Jones, of Harper Adams University College in Australia, urging young people to study science. Actually, this is not the main theme of the article: It’s about the controversy surrounding genetically modified (GM) foods, and how it can be solved through public education.

Jones sneaks in the idea of egging on [...]

Malawi now approves biotechnology policy

Source: Africa Science News Service
Date: July 24, 2008
Malawi has become the latest sub-Saharan African country to approve a National Biotechnology Policy aimed to provide a framework for effective implementation of biotechnology programs and activities. Read more….

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China Must Boost Crop Output to Meet Food Demand, Minister Says

Source: Bloomberg News
Date: July 24, 2008
China, the world’s biggest grower and consumer of grains, must boost crop yields by at least 1 percent a year to ensure the country has enough food to feed its 1.3 billion people, the Minister of Agriculture said. Read more…

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Burkina launches Monsanto GMO cotton to boost crop

Source: The Guardian
Date: July 23, 2008
Cotton farmers in Burkina Faso will soon be planting genetically modified seeds that could boost output and cut costs after the government became the first in West Africa to approve GMO cotton for general use this week. Read more….

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Professor urges Wales to embrace GM crops

Source: Wales Online
Date: July 22, 2008
WALES was urged yesterday to put aside its “prejudice” against genetically modified food as world food and fuel prices increase. A respected academic warned at the Royal Welsh Show that farmers would be disadvantaged if Wales did not embrace GM technology. Read more….

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Science Supersizes Crops

Source: Red Orbit
Date: July 21, 2008
A new “supercorn” with eight genetic modifications that make it even more highly resistant to insects and weed killers than earlier versions is just one of the agricultural developments Americans will see over the next several years as scientific advances enable technicians to customize crop plants with stacks [...]

Improving agricultural productivity is crucial

Source: Economic Times
Date: July 21, 2008
THE fundamental malaise behind the current global food crisis is that, the world over, the yield of agricultural crops has been nearly flat for over a decade. Read more….

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WTO deal among keys for food security - UK govt

Source: Guardian
Date:July 17, 2008
More fertiliser in Africa, a global trade pact and maybe even genetically modified crops could help tackle global food security as rising prices drive millions into poverty, Britain’s farm ministry said on Thursday. Read more….

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What the Public Really Wants on Science

Source: Center for American Progress
Date: July 17, 2008
The way the media covers stem cell research controversies makes it seem like the public is seriously conflicted about this issue and generally dubious about the benefits that can be derived from science and innovation. Yet a survey of public opinion suggests that the public has a [...]