Scientific American: Debate on Biotech Far From Over.

December 9, 2008

10 Salient Points of the Enclosed Article:

1. Very dangerous chemicals are associated with genetically modified crops. These are mostly herbicides that these corn are genetically modified to tolerate. In Hawaii 15 such herbicides are used. One of them is banned by the European Union (E.U.) as it causes birth defects.

2. While introducing GM crops scientists are overlooking the harm to biodiversity.

3. The European Union has banned GM crops for 20 years but the US FDA is trying to push GM crops.

4. The WTO is trying to blame the EU policy of banning GM crops saying it is against "free trade".

5. This article in the Scientific American clearly states that GM crops are "controversial" and "uncontrollable".

6. Ironically a scientist pushing GM crops says, in this article, "that he only supports the development of GM crops in which cross-pollination with non-GM crops can be prevented to ensure that engineered traits will not dilute the gene pool of conventional crops, thereby causing target species to develop resistance."

7. Insects are increasingly becoming resistant to GM Bt crops.

8. Importers from Hawaii, which has been literally hijacked by a few GM seed companies, are now cancelling their orders due to GM contamination.

9. Says a public health expert: "I haven't seen sufficient data from a legitimate organization without a conflict of interest to show that the stuff is healthy or safe," says Lorrin Pang, a public health specialist, "You don't give something to the public until it's proven safe."

10. Hawaii is now trying to restrict GM crops as it has realised that this is affecting farmers' livelihoods.

Please go through the article given below:

December 8, 2008

Genetically Modified Hawaii

New varieties of genetically engineered crops thrive in the world's most isolated landmass

By Robynne Boyd

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=genetically-modified-hawaii

If they want money let them ask us directly. We are ready to give it to them.Why do they need to poke our children with these vaccines? Why did not they become robbers or politicians? They can earn money that way too. Why do they have to malign such a noble profession? - A non pediatrician doctor, mother of an autistic child, at Hyderabad, India.

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