Biodiversity and Agricultural Biotechnology. A review of the Impact of Agricultural Biotechnology on Biodiversity.
Ammann, K. (PDF 774K 54pp.)
Executive Summary. This paper gives an overview of biodiversity and how it is impacted by agriculture, building upon chapters on the impact of biotechnology on biodiversity for the European Federation of Biotechnology (Braun & Bennett, 2001) and UNESCO (Braun & Ammann, 2002).
Biosafety Policy Options & Capacity Building Related to Genetically Modified Organisms in the Food Processing Industry of ASEAN.
Bhumiratana, S. (PDF 413K 53pp.)
Introduction. Man has been making use of biotechnology for centuries, long before the terminology was ever coined. More recently developed gene technology has now made the word "biotechnology" a household name due to its association with the controversial subject of generically modified organisms, GMOs.
Transgenic Crops in Natural Habitats.
Nature. (PDF 583K 2pp.)
Although improved crop yields can be engineered by genetically modifying plants, there is ecological concern over whether these plants are likely to persist in the wild in the event of dispersal from their cultivated habitat. Here we present the results of a long-term study of the performance of transgenic crops in natural habitats.
Co-existence of GM and non GM arable crops: The non GM and organic content in the EU. Brookes, G., Barfoot, P. (PDF 233K 22pp.)
Executive Summary. Within the coexistence debate in Europe, anti GM groups often claim that there is no demand for genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe and that GM and organic crops cannot successfully co-exist without causing significant economic harm/losses to organic growers.
Compilation of Expert Papers concerning Liability and Redress and Living Modified Organisms. Various. (PDF 1 MB 71pp.)
The topic of liability and redress is an important part of discussions underway in connection with the entry into force and implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (the Biosafety Protocol).
The Contribution of Agricultural Crop Biotechnology to American Farming.
Nill, K. (PDF 276K 72pp.)
Introduction. Farmers in the American Midwest have suffered the worst drought in decades this year. Agricultural productivity will be substantially reduced and water reservoirs severely depleted.
Development of Bioech Crops is Booming in Asia.
N.Y. Times. Barboza, D. (PDF 70K 4pp.)
Chiang Rai. Worried about falling behind its global competition, much of Asia is rushing forward with the development and cultivation of genetically modified crops. The three most populous countries in Asia - China, India and Indonesia - are already planting millions of acres of genetically modified cotton.
Experience in the Development and Commercial Use of Agricultural Biotechnology in China. Chen, Z. (PDF 14K 3pp.)
China is the most populated and one of the largest agricultural country in the world, with only about 7% of the world's cultivable land feeding over 20% of the world's population. With the rapid increase in population as well as the dramatic decrease of the cultivable land, food security for the people is highly concerned.
Genetically Modified Crops: the Ethical and Social Issues.
Nuffield Council on Bioethics. (PDF 1.4MB 171pp.)
Preface. When the working party began work in January 1998 there was little visible public anxiety about genetically modified (GM) crops and almost no press interest in the subject. For politicians GM crops occasionally threatened difficulties with the World Trade Organization or posed problems for European Union regulations, but the regulation of research and release into the environment of new plant strains was not politically contentious, and the subject of GM crops was not seen as politically hazardous.
Getting Ready for EU Labeling& Traceability Regulations.
NFPA Review April 2004. (PDF 188K 8pp.)
Part 1: – Fact Sheet Introduction Legislation concerning the safety assessment, authorization, commercialization, labeling and traceability of foods and feeds produced from, or foods containing genetically modified organisms Regulations have been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
Global Status of Transgenic Crops 2003.
[In Chinese]
ISAAA. (PDF 357K 6pp.)
GM Canola. What are its Economics under Australian Conditions?
Foster, M. (PDF 243K 12pp.)
Significant agronomic benefits are claimed for genetically modified (GM) canola varieties under Australia conditions. However, while there are difficulties in achieving access for GM canola to some markets, there is currently no strong evidence of premiums for non-GM canola in the main world markets.
GM Crops 'low risk' for Humans.
BBC News. (PDF 56K 3pp.)
Genetically modified crops pose a "very low" risk to human health, according to an independent scientific review. A panel of 25 experts said it found no case for ruling our all GM crops in the UK and that the novel plants were unlikely to lead to the creation of "superweeds."
Public Attitudes towards Agricultural Biotechnology.
Hoban, T., J. (PDF 217K 16pp.)
Abstract. The full benefits of agricultural biotechnology will only be realized if consumers and food manufacturers consider it safe and beneficial. Although few internationally comparable public opinion surveys have been conducted on this issue, the available evidence suggests that public attitudes differ sharply both between and within countries and are evolving over time.
A Reference Guide - Biosafety Frameworks Addressing the Release of Plant LMOs.
CropLife International. (PDF 500K 23pp.)
The Reference Guide is a capacity building tool for governments to help them develop national, science-based regimes to oversee the agricultural uses of Plant LMOs (Living Modified Organisms).
Status of Genetically Modified Crops in the Asia-Pacific Region (PPT).
Johnson, E. (PDF 746K 16 pp.).
Global perspective and regional status. Trends and indicators. Key issues in dialogue. Implications for weed management and weed scientists.
Transgenic Plants and World Agriculture.
US National Academy of Sciences. July 2000. (PDF 180K 46pp.)
During the 21st century, humankind will be confronted with an extraordinary set of challenges. By 2030, it is estimated that 8 billion persons will populate the world—an increase of 2 billion people from today’s population. Hunger and poverty around the globe must be addressed, while the life-support systems provided by the world’s natural environment are maintained.
