Eat your veg - health benefits outweigh pesticide concerns

The doctor who heads up a national committee charged with investigating the levels of pesticide in the foods said he understands the public concern over chemical contamination, but the benefits of getting your five a day outweigh the dangers. Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Pesticide Residues Committee, said that the organisation had completed its analysis of food samples taken in 2006, and reports that nearly all the residues found were not likely to affect people's health.

Source: Davod Gibbs, www.edie.net, 12 September 2007
Read the full story.

Truth about pesticides: How pesticides are saving the earth

Pesticide science has enabled us to dramatically increase both the quantity and quality of food production without increasing the area of land required. Ironically, 'people who listen to the anti-pesticide message tend to put themselves and their children at greater risk of cancer by avoiding eating fresh fruits and vegetables.' Greenpeace co-founder and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit Strategies Dr Patrick Moore further explains the important role of pesticides in sustainable agriculture.

Source: Patrick Moore, National Post, 20 April 2006
Read the full story.

The next green revolution

Europe may not like it, but genetic modification is transforming agriculture.

Source: The Economist, 23-29 February 2008
Read the full story.

THAILAND: Dilemma over GM fruit

Despair over ringspot virus in papaya and the rising use of farm chemicals has forced farmers in this central province to place their hopes on genetically modified (GM) papaya.

Source: Bangkok Post, 17 November 2007
Read the full story.

Related story: Farmers back GMO
Source: The Nationt, 20 September 200

THAILAND: Biotechnology crops 'vital for productivity'

The adoption in Thailand of biotechnology-enhanced crops is essential for stabilising the country's productivity, making it more competitive in regional and global markets, and helping to alleviate poverty, according to a top-level report.

Source: The Nation, 28 March 2007
Read the full story.

INDIA: Expanding the food chain

The setting up of a national biosafety framework would ensure advanced research, testing and safe use of genetically modified products in the country, says Sudhir Chowdhary.

Source: Financial Express, 04 December 2006
Read the full story.

CHINA: Farmers weighing up benefits of GM cotton

Farmer Wang Fengtong found herself in a difficult situation when choosing what kind of cotton to plant in the spring. The 40-year-old from Mazhuang village of Xinjin city, in North China's Hebei Province, eventually decided to keep planting the genetically modified (GM) cotton, although its anti-insect effect "seems to have been decreasing."


Source: Jia Hepeng, China Daily, 7 August 2006
Read the full story.

INDIA: Time for re-assessment
of crop biotechnology

In biotechnology lies the hope for increased productivity, sustainability and profitability for farmers, says the the National Commission on Farmers in India. The cultivation of Bt cotton has led to additional net profits of at least Rs 12,000 per ha, and 40-50 per cent savings in pesticide use. Other varieties reported failure due to drought and multiple pest epidemics. RK Sinha, Executive Director of All India Crop Biotechnology Association, and Bhagarith Choudhary, National Coordinator of International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) lay down the merits of Bt cotton technology.

Source: RK Sinha and Bhagirath Choudhary, The Hindu Business Line, 27 June 2006
Read the full story.