Food fight in the UK
While consumers in the United States and Canada have accepted genetically modified crops with relative equanimity, something like a brush fire continues to rage across Europe. The fire is particularly hot in the United Kingdom.
-
Top scientists refute potato study
Research purporting to show that rats suffer ill health when fed genetically modified (GM) potatoes has been judged as seriously flawed and unworthy of being published by a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
But Lancet editor Richard Horton decided to run the article anyway.
-
Aristocrat-activist jailed, released
Protests against genetically modified crops continue in the United Kingdom despite Monsanto's recent report that the planting of crops with Monsanto genetical technology increased 38 percent in the last year.
-
Former Beatle raises voice against biotech crops
Burned by allegations that prepackage vegetarian meals sold by his late wife Linda's company contained Roundup Ready soybeans, Paul McCartney said all soybean-derived products will be replaced by wheat in all of the company's offerings.
-
First biotech farm plot destroyed
The owner of the first commercial farm-sized trial of genetically modified crops in Great Britain killed his 25 acres of canola under pressure from an organic farming association.
-
Royal Society repudiates Pusztai research
The United Kingdom's independent academy of science said study claiming genetically modified potatoes caused cancer in rats is seriously flawed.
-
Three-year ban imminent
Life science companies and the government of the United Kingdom said to be on the brink of a deal to ban genetically modified crops.
-
Is identity preservation the answer?
Existing identity-preserved seed programs could be adapted to accommodate consumers who want food products free of genetically modified material – but not without a price.
-
Love for Labour Party lost
Tony Blair's Labour government deals with widespread protests and accusations of collaboration with multinational corporations like Monsanto and UK-based Zeneca.
-
European attitudes block U.S. exports
United States corn exports to Spain and Portugal dropped from 70 million in 1996/97 to 3 million bushels last year.
-
Conservatives call for Science Minister's removal
Tories and Friends of the Earth are united in their dislike of Lord David Sainsbury.
-
Tuber research becomes political hot potato
Scientist suspended from Scottish research institute may be fraud or folk hero, depending on your attitude toward genetically modified crops.
-
Check export status before planting
The National Corn Growers Association urges U.S. growers to make sure genetically modified corn hybrids are cleared for export to Europe before planting them.
-
The organic farmer who would be King
Since 1983, the heir apparent to the British monarchy has taken a keen interest in raising crops without pesticides or fertilizer. He also has pronounced genetically modified crops, "the seeds of disaster."
-
Friends of the Earth counts victories
The UK chapter of the international environmentalist group has scored notable achievements in its three-year campaign against genetically modified crops and food products.
|