http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/messages/ Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:48:13 +0100 Webmotive Page Engine (http://www.webmotive.net/) en_EN Copyright (c) GMO-Compass http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/492.docu.html After a nod by the European Commission to cultivation of the controversial genetically modified (GM) potato developed by the BASF chemical company and known as Amflora, a speaker for the company has announced plans to apply for approval for two further varieties of GM potato. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/493.docu.html An amylose-free potato has been developed by researchers through the use of a new breeding method known as TILLING. Possible use of this method as an alternative to genetic engineering has been postulated in the media. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/491.docu.html The EU Commision has allowed commercial planting of the genetically modified Amflora potato. This is the first approval granted for the planting of a genetically modified crop in the EU since 1998. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/490.docu.html The cultivation of genetically modified plants continues to increase. In 2009, the global area increased once more by seven per cent to a total of 134 million hectares. Noticeable increases in area were found in Burkina Faso, Brazil and South Africa. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/489.docu.html The Indian government are for the present not going to give approval for genetically modified Bt aubergine (Brinjal). First of all, further scientific investigations should be undertaken. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/488.docu.html The moratorium for genetically modified animals and plants that has been in force in Switzerland since 2005 is to be extended for a further three years. First of all, the results are expected of a national research programme on the uses and risks of genetically modified plants. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/486.docu.html Scientists have succeeded in producing a variety of genetically modified eucalyptus suited to withstand cooler temperatures. This opens the possibility of more widespread planting of these trees and of better economy in their industrial use. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/487.docu.html The highest appeals court in Italy has overturned a standing ban on the cultivation of genetically modified plants. The Ministry of Agriculture and a majority of the population seem otherwise inclined. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/485.docu.html The International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR) has announced its 11th International Symposium on the Biosafety of GMOs. The theme of the symposium is “The role of biosafety research in the decision making process”. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/484.docu.html Top representatives of the German food industry and the German Farmers’ Association are calling for more comprehensive GMO labelling. At the same time, they have criticised the "GM-free" stamp as being "dishonest". http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/483.docu.html In the USA, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to permit the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa once more. This recommendation is based on a newly-completed environmental impact assessment. Year-long legal conflicts were antecedent. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/482.docu.html With regard to products of gene technology, the designated EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Safety, John Dalli (Malta) intends to make decisions based on science. ... http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/481.docu.html The results of a country-wide survey conducted by RPC Crop Expedition PRC demonstrate that in 2009/2010 even more GM seeds are planted than conventional ones, depending on the region and the crop. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/480.docu.html A scientist at the A&M University in the USA has developed a genetically modified cottonseed with reduced gossypol toxin, opening the way for use of the seed as food. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/479.docu.html Only ten days after voting by the Council of Ministers, the EU Commission has approved the import of the genetically modified maize MIR604. Soybeans from this year’s harvest in the USA now may be imported to Europe. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/477.docu.html The Committee for Biological Safety in the Chinese Ministry for Agriculture has permitted the cultivation of GM rice and maize as reported by the Reuters new agency under confirmation by two scientists who participated in the decision process. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/476.docu.html Two current studies on the environmental influence of genetically modified (GM) plants arrive at differing results. According to one study, significantly more pesticide has been applied to fields since the cultivation of genetically modified plants began in 1996. ... http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/473.docu.html Since the beginning of November, the world’s first blue rose has been on the market in Japan. With the aid of gene technology, the rose has been modified to produce a blue colour in blossoms. Demand for the rose is expected primarily in Asia. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/472.docu.html The EU Commission has approved the import of genetically modified maize strains MON88017, MON89034 and 59122xNK603 as well as food and feedstuffs produced from these strains. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/471.docu.html The Indian government has postponed its decision on the approval of genetically modified Bt aubergines. It reacted thereby to a campaign mounted by environmental and consumers’ groups demanding a ban on the plant. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/469.docu.html The Indian bureau responsible for gene technology has allowed the commercial use of genetically modified Bt aubergines. The Indian government now must issue approval. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/470.docu.html The currently valid cultivation ban for the genetically modified Bt maize MON810 in Germany is developing into a clash in the coalition negotiations for a federal government composed of Christian democrats (CDU/CSU) and liberals (FDP). http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/468.docu.html The Institute for Plant Genetics of Leibniz University Hannover will continue field testing on genetically modified peas in the USA. Head of the Institute, Prof. ... http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/467.docu.html The European Commission has ordered Member States to remove food products derived from genetically modified linseed from the shelves. The flax comes from Canada and is not authorised in the EU. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/466.docu.html No more soy shipments are reaching European shores from the USA. After several ships were turned away due to traces of unauthorised GM crops. Given the situation, German federal and state agriculture ministers are calling for rapid authorisation procedures. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/464.docu.html The large supermarket chains in the United Kingdom do not obtain enough ‘gene-technology-free’ raw materials on the world market. This results in significant difficulty in continuing to sell only food products without gene-technology constituents that are subject to labelling. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/463.docu.html Once again in 2008, food inspectors in Germany found only isolated cases of GM-labelling infringements. Whereas very slight traces of GM soybeans were frequently found in products containing soy, those derived from maize were mostly "GMO free". http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/462.docu.html Researchers at the German University of Neuenburg have used genetic technology to restore to maize a scent that defends it from pests. The maize then attracts nematodes that kill harmful insects in the root area of the plant. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/461.docu.html The results of interviews with 2,100 adults were published in the newest tracker survey in the UK to address consumer attitudes towards food safety, food concerns and other major Food Standards Agency (FSA) issues. ... http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/460.docu.html The German Minister for Agriculture, Ilse Aigner (CDU), has presented a standardised logo for food products ‘without gene technology’. Improvement of the poor acceptance of the ‘without gene technology’ label is expected thereby. To date, only a few manufacturers have made use of this tag.