July 2005 International Update on Coexistence
Global
GM crops may supply half the global cotton
More than half the world’s cotton may be grown from GM crops within two years according to Rabobank. Currently GM cotton accounts for around 35% of the global crop but increased usage of GM varieties may boost the proportion of cotton grown from GM crops to more than 50% by 2006-07. The change is expected to occur as farmers in India and Brazil embrace the technology that promises to raise incomes and improve output.
Codex GM food labelling initiative stalled
The international Codex Committee on Food Labelling deferred a decision on the mandatory labelling of GM food. The United States, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and the Philippines did not support mandatory labelling of all GM food, which was supported by European, African and Asian countries.
UN body urges caution over GM trees
The increased use of biotechnology in the forestry sector has led the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to call for an international framework to assess the safety of GM trees before they are commercialised. GM activities relating to forestry are taking place in at least 35 countries, with the vast majority of research still restricted to the laboratory. Approximately 70% of forest biotechnology activities are taking place in Europe and North America, Asia now accounts for 14% of the global total, while Africa and South America each produce just 1%. China leads the developing world in applying biotechnology to forestry and is the only country to report the commercial release GM trees.
Biosafety Protocol meeting ends without shipping rules
The 119 parties to the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol ended their second meeting without agreement on documentation requirements for bulk shipping of GM seeds, grains and foods. Brazil and New Zealand were among the countries that could not agree to the proposed shipping rules. Another meeting will be held next year to discuss the issues further.
Europe
European Council and European Commission disagree on banning GMOs
The EU’s Environmental Council voted to maintain a ban on GMO strains in five EU countries. The European Commission had proposed that the bans currently imposed by Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg on various strains of maize and rapeseed be lifted because there was no scientific justification for these bans on either health or environmental grounds. The Council's decision may hurt the EU in a case filed by the US, Canada and Argentina with the World Trade Organization (WTO), which alleges that EU GM policy is based on trade, not on science. The WTO is expected to issue a ruling on the case in October.
Spain presents new rules on GM coexistence
Spain has presented plans for a Royal Decree on coexistence between GM crops and their conventional and organic counterparts. The policy includes guidelines regarding minimum distances and buffer zones between crops, notification and labelling requirements for crops, and rules for the sowing process. The new regulation is due to be approved within the few next weeks and should be in force before the next harvest.
North America
US cloned meat ruling likely positive
The FDA is deciding whether or not to lift a voluntary ban on selling food from cloned animals. A draft risk assessment found that food from cloned animals was probably as safe to eat as that from non-cloned animals. A favourable risk assessment from the FDA is expected to result in the use of cloning to improve livestock quality.
USDA approves biopharm rice project
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved controversial proposals by Ventria Biosciences to grow rice containing human genes in North Carolina and Missouri. The rice is modified to produce two pharmaceutical compounds, lactoferrin and lysozyme, derived from human genes. The compounds will be used for treating diarrhoea.
New Zealand & Australia
GE maize found in sample grown in NZ
A sample of maize supplied to a food manufacturer had tested positive for GM. This is part of a total of 13,500 tonnes of maize held in several locations in the upper North Island. Officials are currently tracing the sources of the maize. The incident is the sixth occurrence of its type in the past three years.
Australia - GM material found in Victorian canola seeds
A small amount of GM material was found during routine testing in an Australian export consignment of canola seeds bound for Japan. GM canola is being trialled in Victoria but its use in commercial crops is banned in other Australian states, except Queensland. This is the first incident of this type in Australia. The canola was found to have Topas 19/2 trait, which provides tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium. Trials approved by the regulator are not the source of the contamination and authorities are investigating its source.
Australia - Expert forum maps impediments to GM crops
An expert forum organised by Biotechnology Australia has concluded that the main impediment to the introduction of new GM crops in Australia is market acceptance. However, the majority of participants at the forum believed that research on GM crops should continue. The forum was made up of over 100 representatives from farmers’ organisations, industry, researchers and government. It focussed on two GM crops: rust-resistant wheat and lucerne, both of which can grow in acid soils. The meeting examined five hurdles for the two crops - segregation, unintended presence, pollen drift, liability and market access, and included speakers arguing for and against each topic.
Asia
Thailand disappoints Monsanto
Monsanto is shifting its operation from Thailand to India and the Philippines. According to the director of the company’s Southeast Asia technology development division, Thailand has been seen as a potential GM ‘seed hub’ due to its advantages in basic infrastructure and skills of farmers. However, recent policy relating to genetic engineering in Thailand has made GMOs less welcome, compared with countries like India and the Philippines, where the commercial planting of GM corn and cotton has been approved.
Asian flour mills unlikely to take GM wheat
A study on GM grains, commissioned by Biotechnology Australia, showed that Asian flour mills are unlikely to buy Australian GM wheat because it would affect their sales. The negatives cited include concerns about potential losses of markets and long-term health issues. Respondents also see no benefits either in flour yield improvements or quality of flours.
Japan finds more Bt10 in cargo
Japan has discovered more US feed grain containing unapproved Bt10 maize, and the importer must destroy them or ship back to the USA. This is the fourth occurrence of this type at a port in the Northern part of Japan.
Africa
African Union sets up biotechnology advisory panel
The African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) recently announced the creation of a panel to advise on ways of building capacity to apply and safely handle modern biotechnology. The panel includes senior scientists and policymakers from across the continent. It shows Africa's determination to take a common informed approach to address issues pertaining to modern biotechnology and its applications for health, agriculture, industry, mining and the environment.
Kenya – new ‘wonder’ maize coming
The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has announced a breakthrough in the search for GM pest-resistant maize variety. The seed which is between 40% and 50% stem-borer-resistant will be released next year. Another type that is 100% resistant will be released in 2009. KARI estimates that the new crop will reduce production cost by 30%. It will also save the loss of up to 15% of the maize crop which is valued at 5.7 billion Shillings (NZ$108 million).
Angola position on GM grain
The Angolan government has formally confirmed the ban on importing GM grain into the country. The ban, however, allows for GM food aid to be imported provided it is milled before distribution. The reasons given for the ban are the lack of capacity to regulate the growing of GM crops and the possible loss of markets in Europe if Angolan products are perceived as GM.
Ghana stops importation of GM foods
Ghana has taken a stance against the importation and cultivation of GM food. Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Minister said the country would reject, without hesitation, the importation of any GM foods, crops and materials into the country although it might solve the famine problems being experienced, especially in the Northern part of the country.
Contact for Enquiries
Dr Sharon Adamson
Manager,
Innovation Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0618
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0741
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