WIREDGOV

The development of genetically modified (GM) crops for African farmers is stuck in a ‘convenient deadlock’ of continual field trials.  Meanwhile, opportunities to enhance yields & reduce poverty are being lost, according to a new report published by Chatham House.

On Trial: Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa argues that new crop varieties are needed to boost Africa’s agricultural productivity and help farmers adapt to climate change.  To achieve this, genetic modification has advantages over conventional plant-breeding.  

However, prospects for implementing GM in Africa are being frustrated by a public debate characterised by misinformation, polarized discourse and opportunistic policies.  The results of this dysfunctional debate are regulatory uncertainty, consumer distrust & weak farmer demand.  Consequently, most GM projects become stuck at the field trial stage and new crops are not released.

• CH:  The dysfunctional debate on GM crops in Africa risks weakening food security across the continent
• Can genetically modified crops end hunger in Africa?
• GM Crops in Africa Are Not Fit for Purpose
• GM camelina trial to go ahead at Rothamsted
• Food safety: MEPs oppose authorising new genetically modified maize
• Owen Paterson calls for GM businesses to come to UK
• Defra approves extension of GM wheat trial
• Consumer attitudes to GM labelling
• Defra approves two GM vaccine trials
• Séralini et al. study conclusions not supported by data, says EU risk assessment community
• EFSA publishes initial review on GM maize and herbicide study
• Food: Commission proposes clearer rules on status of pollen in honey
• Environmental Audit Committee publishes report on sustainable food
• GMOs: EU's legislation on the right track, evaluation reports conclude
• FSA serves up food for thought on GM
• GMOs: Parliament backs national right to cultivation bans
• We have no ‘right’ to source cheap food from abroad
• DFID:  Access to & control of resources is what has been at the basis of conflicts for millennium (2nd item)
• BIS:  Not just Global Warming , but also competition for food, water & other resources (3rd item)