GM seeds with shelf life

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Agnet Feb. 24/06New report considers co-existence of GM and non-GM crops and seedsFarmers angered over seeds with shelf life: Terminator seed technology makes it impossible for farmers to save seedsDon't attack the messengerSuccess factors for agriculture in Australia China to push biotech crop studiesCIMMYT develops herbicide resistant maize hybrids Public funds for sequencing projects of major potato pestEffects of fertilizers on tomato antioxidants exploredArabidopsis made salt tolerantGov't developing new breed of coconut to boost agribusinessSupervisors approve revenue contract for Web-based pesticide illness reportingBiofuel bummerRequest for public comment on proposed settlement agreement involving pesticides and the Endangered Species Acthow to New report considers co-existence of GM and non-GM crops and seedsFebruary 24, 2006European Commissionhttp://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/230 & type=HTML & aged=0 & language=EN & guiLanguage=enThe European Commission’s Joint Research Centre is publishing case studies to identify how farmers can reduce the “adventitious” – unintended and unavoidable – presence of GM material in non-GM harvests. The objective of the report is to provide a science-based reference to support any future design and implementation of coexistence measures within the EU. The case studies covered crop and seed production of maize, sugar-beet and cotton. The report also examined the feasibility of producing conventional seeds in Europe under different thresholds for the presence of GM seeds. The study examines the issue at a regional scale through simulations using data on European agricultural landscapes, weather conditions and agricultural practices, rather than just the field-to-field analyses that have been done so far. It concludes that crop production at the 0.9 % threshold set by the EU is feasible, with few or no changes in agricultural practices, if adventitious GM presence in seeds does not exceed 0.5 %. The production of seed up to 0.5% GM seed would be possible with little or no change in current seed production practices.The research carried out by a consortium[1] led by the Commission’s in-house scientific service, DG Joint Research Centre, examined the issue of adventitious presence of GM material in non-GM crops. The term adventitious refers to an unintended and unavoidable presence under current farming practices. The EU legal framework for traceability and labelling of GMOs and GMO-derived products defines a threshold of 0.9 % for the adventitious presence of GM material in non-GM food and feed and provides a baseline for coexistence measures in agriculture. Based on simulations and expert opinions, the report finds that coexistence in crop production at the 0.9% threshold is feasible with few or no changes in agricultural practices. For maize, additional measures are needed for some fields particularly affected by cross-pollination due to their shape, size and relative position with respect to winds and neighbouring GM fields. The report looks in detail into the effectiveness and feasibility of such measures, for example the introduction of isolation distances between GM and non-GM fields; sowing a non-GM maize buffer strip around GM fields; and using GM varieties with different flowering dates compared to non-GM varieties.The report concludes that conventional (non-GM) seed production in Europe with adventitious GM presence not exceeding 0.5%[2] is feasible with few (maize) or no changes (sugar-beet and cotton) of current seed production practices. For maize seed production, such changes would build on existing practices (namely the implementation of larger isolation distances than those currently used to separate maize seed and maize crop production fields). In addition, lowering the seed threshold to 0.3 % would require additional measures (for example arranging GM and non-GM seed plots in the farm in a way that takes into account dominant winds). Finally, guaranteeing that maize seeds will contain no more than 0.1 % adventitious GM presence is not possible if co-existence measures are limited to action on individual farms or coordination between neighbouring farms.While previous studies looking at the coexistence of GM and non-GM harvests were based on field-to-field analysis of cross-pollination, this new report moves the study of coexistence to a regional level. This has been made possible by running novel models, designed to address the spread of genes from GM crops to non-GM crops, with digitalised versions of actual European agricultural landscapes, regional meteorological conditions and agricultural practices. This has allowed the estimation of levels of adventitious GM presence in non-GM harvest resulting from cross-pollination from multiple fields and other sources, and over extended time periods.In July 2003, the Commission published guidelines to help Member States develop strategies to ensure the effective co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic crops. A number of Member States have since notified legislation on co-existence.The Commission will shortly publish a report on the measures taken across the EU, which will be fed into a conference to discuss the issue, co-hosted with the Austrian presidency, to be held in Vienna on 5-6 April. Following the conference, the Commission will decide if any further action needs to be taken at EU level.The full version of today’s report is available at the following website: www.jrc.estopFarmers angered over seeds with shelf life: Terminator seed technology makes it impossible for farmers to save seedsFebruary 24, 2006Owen Sound Sun Times/The Hanover PostDavid Walton of Chatsworth, Ontario, a member of the Council of Canadians, was cited as telling a handful of people at a public meeting held by the NFU Monday at the Saugeen Municipal Airport that terminator technology creates plants that have been modified to render their seeds sterile, adding, "It's something that cannot happen in nature and we don't know what the results are going to be -- good or bad."The industry argues terminator technology offers "biosafety" benefits of preventing the unwanted flow of genes from genetically modified crops.In many parts of the world, gene flow through cross pollination and seed dispersal from genetically modified plants is causing unwanted genetic contamination of crops.The terminator seeds would control genetic pollution and reduce the risk of legal liability and bad public relations resulting from the unwanted spread of genetic material from genetically modified crops and the contamination of conventional and traditional seed stocks.Walton said terminator seeds would not stop gene contamination, but would pose a serious biosafety risk by cross-pollinating with other crops, adding, "It doesn't make sense for farmers. It only protects the seed manufacturers."Matilde Andres, an organic dairy farmer near Tiverton, was quoted as saying, "The more obvious reason is for the biotech companies to protect their product and nobody will be able to keep the seeds."Gerald Poechman, an organic egg producer near Walkerton, was quoted as saying, "It's a technology not needed by the farm community, not even wanted and it does the consumer no good at all," and that it's just another attempt by multinational companies to exercise power and control over people and economies."For me it's another example of government working with big business against the farmer," said farmer Grant Robertson of Paisley.topDon't attack the messengerFebruary 23, 2006Stratford Beacon-HeraldRobert Wager, Malaspina University College, Nanaimo B.C., writes that he is a scientist/writer who explains the good side of genetically modified (GM) crops to the public. But once again, in the letter by David Pullen (Feb. 15, 'Terminator' Seed Debate Far From Over), he is labelled as a mere spokesperson for the biotechnology industry. Perhaps Mr. Pullen would like to challenge the science he discussed instead of putting forward insinuations about my character. He also suggested I have a negative opinion of the film Seeds of Change. Interesting considering I have not yet seen the film and therefore have no opinion at all. There is a great deal of debate about GM crops and food but I have always stuck to the facts in all of my articles. Facts show these technologies are well researched, regulated and very safe. Critics may feel otherwise and attacking this "messenger" will not change what worldwide research continues to demonstrate.topSuccess factors for agriculture in Australia February 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcThe Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group has released a report on “Creating our future: Agriculture and food policy for the next generation” which it submitted to the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It identified principal issues and challenges that the country should consider if the agriculture and food sector is to be successful over the next 10 to 15 years.Among the report’s recommendations include a stronger emphasis on innovation in production and marketing, sound macroeconomic and microeconomic policies, reduction in regulatory burden, more timely and accurate communication of relevant information, and partnership between businesses and governments. The report also devoted a section on biotechnology. It highlighted the need for the Australian government to:Give higher priority to communicating the benefits of current and emerging agrifood biotechnology.Publicize the strength of the regulatory regime for the safety of research and the resulting products.Work with agriculture and food businesses to facilitate the rapid uptake of agrifood biotechnologies. Lift moratoriums on the commercial use of GM crops immediately.The full report is available online at http://www.agfoodgroup.gov.au/next_generation.htmltopChina to push biotech crop studiesFebruary 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcChina is prepared to work toward finding wider applications of agricultural biotechnology in the next five years, since the sector’s growth is important to the country’s overall development. According to Qi Chengyuan, director of the High and New Technology Department under the National Development and Reform Committee, the country has already drafted its biotech development strategy for 2006-2010. Within the strategy are efforts to develop biotech seeds for major crops and to increase investment in biosafety monitoring, and the establishment of a new biosafety committee. Zhu Zhen, leading promoter of genetically modified (GM) rice technology in China, believes the strategy will help increase the number of biotech applications in agriculture. “The better regulation of the GM plants is a good thing,” Zhu says, “With more biosafety and environmental scientists joining the review team for GM crops, the team will have more direct experience on the safety and efficiency of GM technology." According to the China Bio-Industrial Report, released by the China National Center of Biotechnology Development (CNCBD), the Ministry of Agriculture has approved as of mid-2003 585 GM plant experiments, including 154 environmental releases and 48 pre-production trials. The Chinese Government approved commercialization of GM cotton, tomato, pepper, and a species of morning glory in the late 1990’s. Read the complete article at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/14/content_519769.htm. Fore more information, write to the China Agricultural Biotechnology Information Center (CABIC) at cabic.topCIMMYT develops herbicide resistant maize hybrids February 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcThe International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in collaboration with public and private partners, has developed and tested 26 Imidazolinone-resistant (IR) 3-Way maize hybrids, across 18 sites in several sub-Saharan African countries. These hybrids are available to National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and seed companies in eastern and southern Africa companies for inclusion into trials to decide on variety registration, release, and eventual commercialization in various sub-Saharan African countries.Imidazolinone-resistance (IR) is a natural form of herbicide resistance originally discovered in mutation-derived populations. Imidazolinone herbicides possess high biological potency at low application rates, and thus are an attractive alternative for weed control. The seed of IR-hybrids coated with Imidazolinone offers an effective protection against Striga, a flowering parasitic plant with devastating effects on crop production in sub-Saharan Africa. In trials, IR-hybrids show a 50% increase in yield and provide close to 100% Striga control. Without Imidazolinone seed treatment, the same hybrids can be commercialized in non-Striga affected areas.For more information write to Ms. Ebby Irungu (e.irungu) or visit: http://www.africancrops.net/striga/CIMMYT-IR-Maize-Hybrids.pdf topPublic funds for sequencing projects of major potato pestFebruary 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcThe genus Phytophthora comprises some of the most important crop pathogens causing the late blight disease of potato and tomato, responsible for huge global lossesin crop production. P. infestans, the pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine, is the single greatest pathogenic threat to global food security, as potatoes are the staple food in many countries and the most important non-cereal crop in the world. Damages due to P. infestans infection are estimated to exceed US$ 5 billion a year worldwide.The National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Community Sequencing Program are funding two US$6.7 million projects to sequence the genomes of two Phytophthora species. Collaborators in these projects include Ohio State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University, the University of California-Riverside, and North Carolina State University.These genome initiatives are set to obtain information on the Phytophthora 20,000 genes to identify those responsible for infection, so that strategies for disease control can be developed. The information will also be essential to discover which genes confer resistance to Phytophthora in crop plants. “When dealing with plant diseases, the most important step is to know your enemy, and obtaining the genome sequence of these pathogens is key to learning more about them” said Sophien Kamoun, assistant professor in Ohio State University. These projects will particularly benefit resource-poor farmers in developing countries. “The reality is that you can’t grow potatoes without spraying for late blight,” added Kamoun. “It’s a manageable disease, but an expensive one. However, in many parts of the world, farmers don’t have the means to apply chemicals; there, this disease could cause food shortages and hunger.”For more information, visit http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/story.php?id=3530.topEffects of fertilizers on tomato antioxidants exploredFebruary 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcTomatoes are an important source of antiodixants, and eating them has been linked with reduced risk of prostate and various other forms of cancer. The levels of antioxidants in tomato fruit, however, can be affected by the cultivar, growing conditions, seasons, harvesting stage, and ripening on and off the vine.R.K. Toora of Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand and colleagues look at the “Influence of different types of fertilizers on the major antioxidant components of tomatoes” in a recent issue of the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. Researchers measured the effects of different mineral nutrient solutions, chicken manure, and grass-clover mulch on tomato antioxidant levels and acidity when the fertilizers were applied on greenhouse-grown tomatoes.The authors found that: 1) there was no significant difference in yield, dry matter content, or soluble solids of tomatoes grown with different forms of fertilizers; 2) the mean content of lycopene, a potent carotenoid antioxidant, was 40% lower in tomatoes grown with high chloride levels and grass-clover mulch compared with other treatments; and 3) the mean antioxidant activity of the ammonium treated plants was 14% lower compared with other treatments. Read the complete article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2005.03.003.topArabidopsis made salt tolerantFebruary 24, 2006CropBiotech Updatehttp://www.isaaa.org/kcHigh soil salinity can severely limit agricultural productivity and lower crop quality. As saline soils are a growing problem in many countries, developing plants that can tolerate salinity is a key priority. One approach for engineering salt tolerance is reported in the latest issue of Plant Science by Eun-Ji Koh and colleagues in the article “Expression of yeast cadmium factor 1 (YCF1) confers salt tolerance to Arabidopsis thaliana.” Previous studies have shown that yeast cadmium factor 1 (YCF1), when introduced to Arabidopsis, allows the plant to grow in the presence of heavy metals. In this paper, researchers show that Arabidopsis lines expressing YCF1 are also salt tolerant. According to the authors, this enhanced salt tolerance is due to the movement of salt ions from the cytosol to vacuoles, allowing the cell to maintain osmotic balance. Subscribers to Plant Science can read the complete article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2005.10.007. topGov't developing new breed of coconut to boost agribusinessFebruary 21, 2006Business Mirror (Philippines)Jonathan MayugaThe government is, according to this story, speeding up the development of a superior breed of coconut that it will be mass-produced for planting and replanting in areas that will soon be devoted to coconut to strengthen the country's coco agribusiness.A total of 1.35 million hectares of land will be devoted to coconut as part of the government's effort to boost exports. Aside from copra, coconut's main product, the government wants to enhance its byproducts for agribusiness development.Recently, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched a P30-million joint project that will involve the establishment of fiber-processing zones in two major coconut-producing regions - Region IV-A in Southern Tagalog and Region V, or the Bicol Region.topSupervisors approve revenue contract for Web-based pesticide illness reportingFebruary 23, 2006Village News (CA)Joe Naimanhttp://www.thevillagenews.com/story.asp?story_ID=9391The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a revenue contract with the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment for a Web-based pesticide reporting system. The 4-0 vote February 1, with Supervisor Greg Cox in Sacramento, authorizes the county’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures to execute the revenue contract which will provide $120,000 between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008. The revenue contract includes the possibility of covering an additional year through June 30, 2009, and the supervisors authorized the county’s Agricultural Commissioner to execute any amendments, renewals or extensions to the contract which do not significantly increase county costs. The supervisors also established fiscal year 2005-06 appropriations of $12,494 in the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures budget and $18,740 in the Health and Human Services Agency budget for development of a Web-based pesticide reporting system. topBiofuel bummerFebruary 24, 2006The Calgary HeraldZen Kondra, Carstairs, Alberta, writes regarding, "Biofuels next green trend," Will Verboven, Opinion, Feb. 21, to say the production of biofuels requires the use of non-renewable oil and natural gas for fertilizers, pesticides and machinery fuel.The production of the crops and subsequent biofuel manufacture produce soil degradation and pollution. Energy is lost in the whole system. Biofuels are not a green solution.topRequest for public comment on proposed settlement agreement involving pesticides and the Endangered Species ActFebruary 24, 2006[Federal Register: (Volume 71, Number 37)][Page 9542-9543][DOCID:fr24fe06-75][EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0516; FRL-7763-3]AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comment.SUMMARY: EPA is making available for comment a proposed Settlement Agreement that would establish a series of deadlines for the Agency to make ``effects determinations'' on atrazine as it relates to any of 21 identified endangered or threatened species or their designated critical habitat. If the Agency determines atrazine ``may affect and is likely to adversely affect'' any of the listed species, the Agency will initiate formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as appropriate. EPA will evaluate all comments received during the public comment period to determine whether all or part of the proposed Settlement Agreement warrants reconsideration. This proposed Settlement Agreement, if entered by the Court, would resolve a lawsuit brought against EPA by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC or plaintiff).DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 13, 2006.ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0516, by one of the following methods:http://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.Mail: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.Hand Delivery: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0516. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is (703) 305-5805. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0516. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at http://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be captured automatically and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage athttp://www.epa.gov/epahome/docket.htm/.Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at http://www.regulations.gov/ or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is (703) 305-5805.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arty Williams, Environmental Fate and Effects Division (7507C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 703-305-7695; faxnumber: 703-305-6309; e-mail address:williams.arty.topAgnet is produced by the Food Safety Network at the University of Guelph, and is supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, AGCare, the Agricultural Adaptation Council (CanAdapt Program), CropLife Canada, National Pork Board, ConAgra Foods, Inc, Monsanto Canada, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Ltd.,Food Safety & Security at Kansas State University, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food , Canadian Animal Health Institute, Council for Biotechnology Information, Syngenta Seeds, Inc USA, JIFSAN, Pfizer Animal Health, National Food Processor's Association, Potash and Phosphate Institute, Ag-West Bio Inc., Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, Feedlot Health Management Services, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Molecular Plant Breeding CRC, Tyson, Southern Crop Production Association, Canadian Grain Commission, Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, Tactix Government Consulting, Inc., Oregon State University Dept of Forest Science, Global Public Affairs and Agri Business Group, Inc. 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For information on collaboration or fee-for-service opportunities, please contact Dr. Doug Powell: dpowellTo to the html version of Agnet (subscription is free), send mail to:listservleave subject line blankin the body of the message type: agnet-L firstname lastnamei.e. agnet-L Doug Powell(replace agnet-L with agnettext to to the text version of agnet)For more information about the Agnet research program, please contact:Dr. Douglas PowellAssociate Professordept. of plant agricultureUniversity of GuelphGuelph, Ont.N1G 2W1tel: 519-824-4120 x54280cell: 519-835-3015fax: 519-763-8933dpowellhttp://www.foodsafetynetwork.ca The Food Safety Network's bilingual toll-free line for obtaining food safetyinformation: 1-866-50-FSNET (1-866-503-7638)archived at http://archives.foodsafetynetwork.ca/agnet-archives.htm