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Biotech News
SmartStax corn receives import approvals for Korea, Taiwan (12-18-09) -- The food and feed safety of SmartStax corn was reviewed and approved by the Korean and Taiwan agencies charged with regulating biotech traits.
Oil palm tree is sequenced here (12-18-09) -- Scientists in St. Louis have helped sequence the genome of the oil palm tree, a feat they hope will lead to better production of the world's most widely consumed edible oil.
USDA seeks comment on genetically modified alfalfa (12-18-09) -- The U.S. Agriculture Department on Monday said it determined there would be no significant environmental harm to deregulating genetically modified alfalfa.
China approves Bt rice and G.M. corn (12-02-09) -- Reuters says China has approved a strain of genetically modified rice and a GM corn for commercial production.
German Corn Growers Interested in U.S. Agricultural Biotechnology (11-24-09) -- The German Maize Committee held its annual meeting this week and requested to hear the U.S. farmer’s perspective and experience using biotech crops.
Europe rejects GE corn but Australia has 'no concerns' (11-19-09) -- A GENETICALLY engineered corn authorised by the Australian food regulator as safe for human consumption has been withdrawn from Europe because of safety concerns
BIO Announces New Video on Drought Resistance Technologies (11-19-09) -- Watch this 3 minute
video online and learn how this agricultural biotech innovation could have a global lifesaving effects.
DuPont, Dow sign soybean tech deal (11-19-09) -- The agricultural businesses of DuPont Co. and Dow Chemical Co. have agreed to share technologies for soybeans that are genetically engineered to resist herbicides, the companies said Thursday.
Oil from engineered beans might help reduce heart attacks, researchers say (11-19-09) -- Oil from genetically modified soybeans boosts levels of an important omega-3 fatty acid in the body, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks, U.S. researchers say.
Syngenta Receives Approval for New Corn Technologies in Brazil
(11-18-09) -- The approval of these advanced technologies will offer Brazilian growers increased productivity, higher grain quality and reduced production costs
U.S. Wheat Associates Launches Revised Website (11-18-09) -- The newly redesigned web site provides a wider variety of valuable business information in a format that makes it more accessible than ever to wheat buyers, the U.S. wheat industry, and media outlets.
Bayer CropScience completes acquisition of biotech company Athenix Corp. (11-17-09) -- Successful purchase of trait platform with extensive product pipeline.
Flemish Researchers Develop Revolutionary Technology For Use In Plant Breeding (11-17-09) -- One of the greatest challenges of this century is making the food supply secure in a world that finds itself under increasing pressure from the growing population, changing food patterns and changing climate
A Pragmatic Response to Climate Change (11-05-09) -- Stewart Brand is as close to an iconic figure as the sustainability movement has. Forty years ago he came up with the idea for the Whole Earth Catalogue, kind of a how-to-guide for the environmentally minded.
Monsanto Opens First Biotechnology Research Center in China (11-05-09) -- Monsanto Company announced that it is opening its first research center in China, further demonstrating its commitment to forming technology collaborations in the country.
Monsanto Breaks Ground on Lubbock Cotton Research Facility (11-05-09) -- Cotton farmers on the High Plains are always looking for ways to improve their farm's profit potential, and two of the biggest opportunities for farmers to that are to increase yield potential and produce better quality fiber.
Kansas Wheat: State Wheat Acres Continue to Decline; Biotech Could Help (11-05-09) -- Wheat is falling out of favor with many farmers, causing a conundrum among those involved in the industry.
Turkey Puts Kibosh on Biotech (11-04-09) -- Turkey, the 27th largest export market for all U.S. goods, issued a new regulation on Oct. 26, 2009, placing additional requirements on all food and feed products containing genetically enhanced components.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces $19 Million in Organic Research, Education and Extension Grants (11-04-09) -- Emphasizes importance of 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative
Monsanto asks Supreme Court to review alfalfa ban
(11-04-09) -- Monsanto Co. asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision to ban the planting of genetically modified alfalfa until an environmental review is complete
The three rules of GMO acceptance: Education, Education, Education (11-02-09) -- The Japanese millers who addressed the U.S. Wheat Associates summer board meeting in San Diego did not equivocate when it came to the issue of genetically modified wheat.
Research May Help Plants, Humans Survive Stress, Disease (11-02-09) -- A new technology to analyze gene expression at the level of different cell types offers new insights in the ways that plants and animals react to the environment and how they change when they are diseased,
Monsanto's YieldGard VT® Corn Technologies Receive European Union Regulatory Approval (11-02-09) -- Monsanto Company welcomed today the European Union authorization of two of its corn technologies.
Syngenta Ventures invests in U.S. biotech company Metabolon (11-02-09) -- Syngenta Ventures announced that it has made an equity investment in Metabolon, a privately-held U.S. biotechnology company focused on the use of metabolomics in research and diagnostics.
DuPont Executive Says Biotech Can Address Global Trends (11-02-09) -- DuPont is investing more than $1 billion in research and development annually on these two megatrends - increasing food productivity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Time’s one-sided food ‘expose’ (10-22-09) -- We may not admit it, but writers like to be recognized for their work. Even the most jaded of us get a thrill when we see our byline. But I doubt we would enjoy the attention Time’s Bryan Walsh received in a speech by Iowa’s Senator Grassley on the Senate floor Sept. 29.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Launches National Institute of Food And Agriculture, Announces Vision for Science and Research At USDA (10-22-09) -- Agricultural Science Poised to Make Major Contributions to Health, Environmental Challenges
Vilsack: For locally grown food, not against GMOs (10-22-09) -- Speaking to a group of food activists in Des Moines, Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack got a standing ovation after describing the Obama administration's efforts to promote farmers markets and expand locally-grown foods.
Seed Industry Competition to be Examined (10-22-09) -- The Department of Justice and the USDA plan to examine competition and antitrust concerns in the seed industry as rising seed prices and industry concentration have raised concerns.
Seed Industry Aims to Take People Beyond The Seed (10-22-09) -- Much like other areas of technology and innovation, the American seed industry has seen a dramatic evolution in the use of science and technology to provide farmers with new and improved seed varieties.
Monsanto Forecasts Africa to Increase Biotech Crop Planting (10-22-09) --
U.S. wheat industry reiterates support for GMO wheat (10-21-09) -- A coalition of U.S. wheat industry leaders said on Wednesday that they were pushing ahead to gain acceptance for genetically modified wheat, despite continued concerns and at least a decade of research and development work ahead.
India regulator approves first GM vegetable (10-21-09) -- The much-awaited clearance by the state-run Genetically Engineering Appraisal Committee could lead to production of the vegetable - known as aubergines, eggplant or brinjals in India - if approved by the government.
Adoption of New Innovation Corn and Soybean Seed Continues (10-21-09) -- Dmrkynetec recently released their annual TraitTrak® 2009 Corn and TraitTrak® 2009 Soybean study results.
Biotech wheat efforts key on consumers (10-21-09) -- Northwest system can segregate, isolate GMO varieties.
Courts Force U.S. Reckoning With Dominance of GM Crops (10-13-09) -- These days, there is no rarer commodity in farming than trust.
Mexico to decide in Oct. on test GM corn plantings (09-30-09) -- Mexico will decide in October whether it will allow experimental plantings of genetically modified corn, an agriculture ministry official said on Monday.
Agribusiness Companies Join Forces to Increase Crop Production (09-30-09) -- Ellen Kullman, chief executive of DuPont, said that the companies have a common interest
in promoting policies that will ease the way for their products to be used globally to increase
crop production.
International research team cracks potato genome (09-30-09) -- A global team of researchers has mapped the genetic code of the world's most popular vegetable - the potato.
Farmers Can Feed the World (09-29-09) -- Given the right tools, farmers have shown an uncanny ability to feed themselves and others, and to ignite the economic engine that will reverse the cycle of chronic poverty. And the escape from poverty offers a chance for greater political stability in their countries as well.
Growers vow to fight GMO beet ban (09-29-09) -- Judge orders detailed studies on effects of Roundup Ready varieties
U.S. court rules against Monsanto's GMO sugarbeets (09-29-09) -- About 1.1 million U.S. acres were seeded this year to Roundup Ready sugar beets in the fourth year of commercialized production.
Biotech Could Play a Big Role in Saving the Planet (09-29-09) -- Experimental crop plants that use nitrogen more efficiently provide the same yields as
normal crops with less fertilizer.
Biotech backlash rapped technology (09-29-09) -- David Sippell, London-based president of Syngenta Seeds Canada, said his company is using genetic modification to develop a growing number of traits in corn that could make the crop easier and cheaper to grow, enhance nutrition in feed corn and boost production in corn grown for ethanol.
GM crops to play key role on farms (09-11-09) -- Cuong said that with biotechnology, plants could be created that are disease resistant and can withstand drought and floods.
Corn farmers in the Philippines ask Monsanto to develop a tropical variety of Roundup Ready as an alternative crop (09-11-09) -- A group of local corn farmers have asked biotechnology giant Monsanto Co. to develop and distribute a genetically-modified (GM) soybean variety as an alternative crop.
Lincoln Next Chairman for Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (09-11-09) -- In the committee’s 184-year history, Lincoln will be the first Arkansan and first female ever to serve as Chairman.
The Future According To Monsanto (09-11-09) -- Whether you love or hate the company, you have to admire its focus. These days, the charge handed down from top management couldn;t be clearer: Double the average yields in corn and soybeans from where they were in 2000 to where they will be in 2030
Fischer Boel weighs in on Europe's GMO controversy (09-10-09) -- Fischer Boel said farmers face an imminent shortage of animal feed because a handful of countries are blocking the approval of GM crops.
Wheat Research is Taking Off (09-09-09) -- U.S. wheat plantings have been on a long-term downtrend and net returns per acre favor other crops in areas where options exist. The commitment to funding wheat research jumped considerably in 2008/09.
EU Faces Feed Shortages Because Of GMO Restrictions (09-09-09) -- In other agricultural trade news, Joshua Chaffin reported earlier this week at the Financial Times Online that, “Farmers face an imminent shortage of animal feed because a handful of countries are blocking the approval of genetically modified crops, the European Union’s farm chief warned on Monday.
Legal Liability and Agricultural Biotechnology: Ten Questions (09-08-09) -- Public discourse about agricultural biotechnology often includes issues such as civil legal liability....
Grower Spotlight: Terry Wanzek, Jamestown, ND (08-26-09) -- FarmFactsPolicy.org recently highlighted Growers for Biotechnology's board members, Terry Wanzek on their web site
A Seed is Planted: New Dialogue Makes Significant Progress in Addressing Independent Seed Research (08-21-09) -- Significant progress and alignment was achieved by the 27 representatives from the research community and the seed industry who met on June 30, 2009, in Ames, Iowa, to discuss impediments to research on commercial, patent-protected seed products and opportunities to improve the process overall.
Puerto Rico Signs Bill to Promote Ag Biotech (08-21-09) -- Puerto Rico hopes to further encourage agricultural biotechnology businesses to establish or expand operations on the island.
Hilary Benn: GM could help Britain's food production (08-21-09) -- Hilary Benn, the environment minister, has suggested that genetically modified (GM) farming could help to increase Britain's crop production as he sets out plans to make the country more self-sufficient in food.
Bayer acquires biotech company (08-21-09) -- Bayer CropScience has announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Athenix Corp., a privately-held independent biotechnology company headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Genetically-Modified Food for Thought (08-21-09) -- The world will have another three billion mouths to feed within the next five decades. It therefore makes sense to review the options by which the planet secures its food supplies. Genetically-modified crops, as the Government yesterday suggested, are one major option.
Philippines gung-ho about GM crops (08-20-09) -- MANILA: Amid lingering scepticism about possible health risks of GM (genetically modified) crops, Philippines is going ahead with its biotechnological adventures in crops. After commercializing the GM corn, Philippines government is set to introduce GM Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A.
Costa Rica and Peru Working Towards Biotechnology Regulations (08-20-09) -- Three U.S. Grains Council representatives traveled to Costa Rica and Peru last week to meet with biotechnology regulators and discuss the status of biotechnology regulations in those countries.
Our View: Pollan Drift (08-17-09) -- The prolific and talented author and contributor to The New York Times, Michael Pollan, is at the center of a self-initiated movement to redo our nation’s food system. The movement is built on a platform of opposing biotechnology and conventional agriculture – especially animal ag – while promoting the slow food movement, local production and organics. He is a frequent critic of corn production and puts it at the epicenter of his axis of food evil.
Is the UK Ready to Rethink its Stance on GM?
(05-03-09) -- Global realities demand a change in attitude, a leading UK scientist says.
Corn Fortified With Vitamins Devised by Scientists
(05-03-09) --
The genetic breakthrough marks the first time multiple vitamins have been engineered into a single plant. The enhanced crops would be a particular boon to diets in developing countries.
Dow Agro Gains Breakthrough With Gene Technique
(04-30-09) -- The gene Dow inserted into corn made the plant herbicide- tolerant and also reduced levels of phytate, a component of feed corn that's difficult for pigs and chickens to digest.
Activists Want Genetically Modified Alfalfa Banned
(04-30-09) -- A coalition of farm groups and activists wants a ban on the commercial use of a genetically modified alfalfa, saying it could overwhelm natural varieties of the crop.
Science Cash 'To Beat Food Riots' (04-28-09) -- Food riots are a real threat in some developing and emerging countries unless funds for agricultural research are increased, says a UK scientist.
Vilsack Pledges Better Push On Biotech Crops
(04-28-09) -- Ag secretary pledges to promote biotechnology overseas.
Better living through GM oilseeds is almost in our grasp (04-28-09) -- Public acceptance grows as biotech firms produce consumer benefits.
Dearth Of Wheat Breeders May Dampen India's Agri-Growth (04-28-09) -- Acute shortage of agri-scientists specialising in wheat breeding may dampen the country's agricultural growth amid the growing threat of climate change on food security.
Bt Brinjal Seeds In Market Likely By This Year
(04-16-09) -- If all goes well, markets in India will be flooded with genetically modified brinjal (eggplant) seeds or Bt brinjal seeds within a year.
Easter Bunnies Emerge As GMO Battleground
(04-14-09) -- Activists call on Easter Bunny to oppose biotech sugarbeets.
GM Drought-Tolerant Wheat Wait (04-13-09) -- The hunt for drought tolerant wheat will take time, Australia's research head says.
Earth Population 'Exceeds Limits' (04-13-09) -- Biotech seen as way to feed the "too many" people on Planet Earth.
68% of US Health Professionals Support Biotechnology's Use in Food (04-13-09) -- Study finds that 68% of healthcare professionals report having an overall favorable view of agricultural biotechnology for use in food products, especially in soy.
Great Expectations For Obama (04-13-09) -- Portuguese grower hopes the new President can break down barriers against biotechnology in Europe.
US's Vilsack Says Science Can Help Overcome Hunger (04-13-09) -- Ag secretary says resistance to biotechnology must be broken.
Big three nations combine for biotech wheats (03-29-09) -- Leading wheat grower representative groups in Australia, Canada and America are joining forces to prepare for the introduction of biotech wheat varieties into the world's export markets.
Is The Green Movement Part Of The Problem? (03-29-09) -- Anti-biotech forces oppose technology that would reduce nitrogen usage.
GM Can Safeguard The Environment (03-29-09) -- Agricultural economist Graham Brookes says that after 11 years of widespread use, GM crops have done more to help protect the environment than any other single technology.
Kings Of The Jungle (03-28-09) -- Monsanto CEO selected as one of Barron's 30 most-respected because of the company's commitment to producing more food.
Corn Fortified With Vitamins Devised By Scientists (03-28-09) -- The genetic breakthrough marks the first time multiple vitamins have been engineered into a single plant. The enhanced crops would be a particular boon to diets in developing countries.
AP Story Misleading and Misses the Real Deception in Montana HB445 (03-25-09) -- The Associated Press piece which ran in the March 24 edition of the Great Falls Tribune (“Monsanto courts Senate committee at private dinner”), paints a misleading portrait of House Bill 445 and the role of Growers for Biotechnology and Monsanto.
U.S. Wheat Farmers Want Biotech Wheat Survey Says
(02-28-09) -- A large number of U.S. wheat growers would embrace genetically altered wheat to help them combat a range of crop problems and keep wheat competitive with other crops, according to a survey by the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Syngenta Not Actively Pursuing Biotech Wheat: CEO
(02-28-09) -- Even though Syngenta is not pursuing biotech wheat, its CEO says introduction of a biotech product is inevitable.
Losing ground (02-27-09) -- Experts say the decline in wheat acreage will not be reversed unless a genetically modified version of the crop is commercialized.
Wyo Sugar Beets Yield Sweet Success (02-26-09) -- Roundup Ready gets credit for improved yields and profits for sugar producers.
'Super Cassava' To Enter Field Trials (02-25-09) -- An ambitious attempt to bioengineer cassava. a major food crop for 800 million people, into a "complete meal" takes a step forward with the approval of field trials by Nigeria's National Biosafety Committee.
New effort to win EU acceptance for genetically modified crops (02-18-09) -- A variety of forces are pushing Europe into re-examining the potential of gene-altered seeds.
GM Canola Plantings To Skyrocket (02-17-09) -- A huge expansion is expected in Australia.
Farmers Face Rising Food Demand, Declining Water (02-13-09) -- Sustainability conference emphasizes need to utilize water. Drought tolerance may help.
Biotech Crops Poised for Second Wave of Growth (02-11-09) -- Annual ISAAA report shows 1.3 million new growers on 10.7 new hectares (26.4 million acres).
Golden Rice On Target For Release In 2011
(02-10-09) -- Genetically modified (GMO) Golden Rice may be available to farmers as early as 2011, possibly helping to save millions of children threatened with blindness or premature death due to Vitamin A deficiency.
US Growers Tackle Weeds With Herbicide-Tolerant Beet (02-09-09) -- UK growers hear the benefits of Roundup Ready sugarbeets.
USDA chief: Biotech, traditional crops need to coexist (01-22-09) -- Two recent U.S. court rulings on biotech sugar beets are pressuring the USDA and other regulatory agencies in the country to reconsider regulations on bioengineered crops.
“Penicillin wouldn't exist if we had the same attitude to pharmaceuticals as we do to genetically modified food” (05-22-07) -- Excellent, must-read commentary on biotech crops by John Roskam, executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs in Australia.
Read All About It: Organic Food Is Not Healthier (05-15-07) -- “My own (as yet unpublished) review of the scientific literature demonstrates that the agricultural production method is not as important as the variety (cultivar) of the fruit or vegetable, the year that the produce was grown, geographic location, soil conditions, and amount of sunlight the crops received.” - Joseph Rosen, American Council on Science and Health
Acceptance Of Bio Food: An Experiment In Six Countries (05-14-07) -- A significant percentage of consumers in European countries appear willing to choose GM food provided there is a price advantage coupled with a consumer benefit.
GM crucial to combat global warming impact (05-11-07) -- As agricultural conditions change as a result of global warming, genetically-modified crops will have an increasing role to play in safeguarding food supply for the future, says a leading researcher who thinks the issue will increase pressure for consumer acceptance.
Eco-Activist Rant Illustrates How Bizarre They Are (03-22-07) -- The following rant sent to Growers for Biotechnology is unedited, and speaks for itself as to the lunacy of the anti-biotech organic jihad. (contains offensive language).
Time lapse video comparison of corn with and without drought-tolerant gene, courtesy Monsanto (02-21-07) -- If pictures are worth a 1,000 words, then video is worth 10,000. This time lapse video courtesy of Monsanto compares corn with and without genetics for drought tolerance.
Wisner/WORC Report on Biotech Wheat Misleading (09-29-06) -- A report by ag economist Robert Wisner of Iowa State University, “Potential Market Impacts from Commercializing Round-Up Ready® Wheat,” is misleading, sponsored by a fringe environmental activist group that opposes biotechnology in agriculture.
Activist fringe group lobs bogus accusation at NDSU (09-28-06) -- A recent article in The Forum (Fargo ND - “NDSU accused of secret deal” – Sept. 15) featured nothing more than grandstanding by a fringe environmental activist group that opposes biotechnology at any measure.
“Conversations about Plant Biotechnology” Features ND, MN Farmers (08-09-06) -- Growers for Biotech leaders Al Skogen and Paul Aasness among videos featured online where visitors can view farmers and experts discussing the benefits of GM crops.
Research Developing Aids Cream from Tobacco Plants (08-07-06) -- Fascinating article here from Checkbiotech.org, sourced from nationmedia.com/Daily Nation (Kenya) on how science can transform tobacco from a plant that ends lives into one that can save them. Note where this groundbreaking greenhouse research is taking place: The UK, and also how it could make tobacco an acceptable cash crop option for farmers again, in Africa and even in the U.S.
"Letting Misguided Activism Trample Science and Common Sense Is Antithetical To Sound Public Policy” (08-05-06) -- A must read commentary in the LA Times by Henry I. Miller, physician and molecular biologist, fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of "The Frankenfood Myth." Miller was the founding director of the FDA's Office of Biotechnology from 1989 to 1994.
N.D. Shoppers Open to Genetically-Modified Pasta
(07-09-04) -- NDSU survey finds consumer acceptance of biotech-based wheat foods
New enzyme may broaden herbicide tolerance in crops (06-29-04) -- The following commentary by Hembree Brandon in the 6-18-04 Delta Farm Press points to research advancements being made to find new sources of genetic herbicide tolerance in crops. In the future, farmers might be able to rotate their crops with natural genetic resistance to different herbicide chemistries. These type of bio-research advances will help assure skeptics who fear a sole reliance on glyphosate.
Foreign Wheat Growers Challenge U.S.'s Seat At Head Of Export Table: Lower Costs, Market Proximity To Key Markets Give Emerging Producers Trade Clout (06-28-04) -- This article by Roger Thurow, Asian Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2004, points out that while wheat growers in other parts of the world, such as China and Russia, are growing more wheat and becoming more of a factor in global wheat markets, farmers in the U.S. are growing less and less wheat, with American wheat export market share at stake. Biotechnology may be the best answer for American wheat producers in the hope of a lower cost of production and a “Point of Difference” to be competitive over the long-run.
GWB Commentary: Will We Be Heralding Biotech Wheat Performance by 2014? (06-28-04) -- findings of a study were released at the 2004 BIO Conference that pointed to the tremendous economic impact and growth of the biosciences sector.
Growers for Wheat Biotechnology Formulate Information/Education Strategies (06-15-04) -- Website, speaking engagements, and media relations key to effort.
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