Genetic Engineering Policy Alliance Newsletter - November 2007
Monsanto Records Financial Losses
According to a report by Bloomberg, Monsanto Co., the world's largest seed producer, said its fiscal fourth-quarter loss widened and 2008 earnings may rise less than analysts estimate because of lower-than-expected sales of genetically modified seeds. In part this can be attributed to the drop in rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) sales due to several dairies ceasing their use of the controversial hormone. Bloomberg also reported that Monsanto plans to turn its attention to using non-GE technology to develop new varieties of vegetables, in collaboration with two large vegetable seed companies, Seminis and Delta & Pine Land Co.
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Greenpeace Finds GE Contamination in Budweiser Beer
Greenpeace released the results of analyses showing the presence of an experimental genetically engineered (GE) strain of rice at an Anheuser-Busch operated mill in Arkansas that is used to brew Budweiser. An independent laboratory test, commissioned by Greenpeace, detected the presence of GE rice (Bayer LL601) in three out of four samples taken at the mill.
Bayer LL601 rice was the source of the 2006 contamination of at least 30 percent of rice stocks in the United States. The GE contamination had a massive negative economic impact on the U.S. rice industry as many countries subsequently stopped or significantly restricted the import of U.S. rice.
“Anheuser-Busch must make a clear statement about the level of GE contamination of the rice used to brew Budweiser in the U.S. and spell out what measures are in place to ensure this beer does not reach the company’s export markets,” said Doreen Stabinsky, Greenpeace agriculture campaigner.
complete press release
France suspends planting of GMO crops
On October 25th, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would suspend the planting of genetically modified (GMO) pest-resistant crops until the results of an appraisal of the issue later this year or early in 2008.
Unveiling the country's new environment policy, Sarkozy said no GMO crops would be planted in France until the government had received the results of an evaluation by a new authority on GMOs set to be launched later this year.
"I don't want to be in contradiction with EU laws, but I have to make a choice. In line of the precautionary principle, I wish that the commercial cultivation of genetically modified pesticide GMOs be suspended," he said.
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Governor Schwarzenegger Vetoes Cloning Bill
To the disappointment of food safety advocates, in October Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 63, a bill that would have required labeling of cloned milk and meat. The Governor stated that he believes that food labeling is the responsibility of federal regulators, not the jurisdiction of state governments.
Research: GE Corn Could Pollute Aquatic Ecosystems
A study by an Indiana University environmental science professor and several colleagues suggests a widely planted variety of genetically engineered corn has the potential to harm aquatic ecosystems. Researchers established that pollen and other plant parts containing toxins from genetically engineered Bt corn are washing into streams near cornfields. They also conducted laboratory trials that found consumption of Bt corn byproducts produced increased mortality and reduced growth in caddisflies, aquatic insects that are related to the pests targeted by the toxin in Bt corn.
Bt corn is engineered to include a gene from the micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces a toxin that protects the crop from pests, in particular the European corn borer.
Before licensing Bt corn, the U.S. EPA conducted trials to test its impact on water biota. But it used Daphnia, a crustacean commonly used for toxicity tests, and not insects that are more closely related to the target pests, stated the researchers.
"Every new technology comes with some benefits and some risks," said Todd V. Royer, an assistant professor and co-author of the study. "I think probably the risks associated with widespread planting of Bt corn were not fully assessed."
Correction on Sugar Beets
In the September newsletter, in our story on the commercial availability of a GE sugar beet resistant to Roundup herbicide, we reported that no sugar beet is produced in California. In fact, a small amount is grown here, primarily in Imperial, Fresno, Kern, Merced, and Kings counties. The total acreage in 2005 was 44,000 acres, representing an approximate market value of $65,000. It ranks as California’s 48th crop in value, and the acreage has been steadily declining in the past 10 years.
Featured Member
Sambazon
Sambazon makes organic food, beverage and supplements with acai - a nutritious purple berry that grows in the Amazon Rainforest. Acai has a delicious exotic berry taste and is loaded with powerful antioxidants, healthy omega fats, fiber and protein. Founded in 2000 as the original company to introduce acai to North America Sambazon - which stands for "Sustainable Management of the Brasilian Amazon" -- pioneered a sustainable agro-forestry business model in the Amazon Rainforest and has helped create worldwide awareness of the acai berry. Sambazon's model helps to combat environmental destruction, works to protect the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest and creates new and ongoing employemnt for thousands of small family farmers.
Sambazon only produces organic products that do not use any GMOs - and have cautioned consumers about GMOs in our newsletter communications and at events. We are proud to support the GE Policy Alliance and promote its efforts in educating farmers, policy makers and the general public.
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