Genetic Engineering Blog

EcoFarm is deeply concerned that the development and release of genetically engineered crops worldwide has progressed rapidly with inadequate oversight, scant safety testing, and minimal public debate. The Genetic Engineering Blog is produced by Thomas Wittman and EcoFarm, and supported by a generous donation from the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Groups oppose genetically engineered eucalyptus trees

Posted on August 23, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

Environmentalists are challenging the plans of a S.C.-based biotechnology firm to grow genetically engineered eucalyptus trees in the South, saying the fast-growing Australian species could spread uncontrollably.

Thousands Blind for Want of GM Rice?

Posted on August 4, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

Excessive regulation of genetically modified crops has delayed release of a variety of rice that could help reduce the leading cause of preventable
blindness in children, according to an editorial published in the British journal Nature.

Farm Bureau urges sanctions against EU’s GM crop ban

Posted on July 28, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

The largest U.S. farm group has urged the Obama administration to begin steps towards imposing sanctions on the European Union in a long running dispute over the EU’s treatment of genetically modified crops.

Syngenta Seeds, Inc. Launches Agrisure Artesian(TM) Technology, First Water-Optimized Technology for Corn Hybrids

Posted on July 28, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

Syngenta Seeds, Inc., today unveiled its Agrisure Artesian™ technology, the new brand name for its range of water optimized hybrids and the newest addition to the Agrisure® family of high-performance trait products.

The ‘‘Seeds are Sacred’‘: Chile Film Wins Top Award

Posted on July 28, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

The New Mexico chile, latest candidate for genetic engineering, stars in an award-winning documentary that has touched the heart and soul of New Mexico.

New Book - Genetically Engineered Backslide

Posted on July 19, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

The widespread planting of “Roundup Ready” crops that are genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate has led to the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds in fields in the United States. Of these weeds, the species believed to pose the greatest threat to agricultural productivity is Palmer amaranth - more commonly known as Palmer pigweed - which has infested cotton and soya farms across the southern US and is expected to spread to new areas and crops.

Bayer Loses Fifth Straight Trial Over U.S Rice Crops

Posted on July 15, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

Bayer AG lost its fifth straight trial over contaminated U.S. long-grain rice to a Louisiana farmer who claimed the company’s carelessness with its genetically engineered seed caused exports to plunge.

Lawmakers Propose Labeling in Response to Supreme Court’s Monsanto Decision

Posted on July 14, 2010 in the Genetic Engineering Blog

Ever since the Supreme Court handed down its mixed 7-1 decision, ruling that the lower court overstepped its boundary by issuing an injunction on the planting of genetically modified alfalfa, some lawmakers were spurred to action. Reuters, for example, reported that more than 50 U.S. lawmakers called on the U.S. Agriculture Department to keep Monsanto’s biotech alfalfa out of farm fields. U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, and Rep. Peter DeFazio, a Democrat from Oregon, were joined by 49 other representatives and five other senators in asking Tom Vilsack, the Agricultural Secretary, to ensure that Monsanto’s genetically engineered alfalfa is not approved for commercial use.