Thai-phoon in the rice bowl? (10/31/2001) Thai-phoon in the rice bowl? U.S. acquisition of aromatic Thai rice breaks trust,
tramples farmers, threatens trade and seed treaty talks
However U.S. scientists got hold of Thailand's billion dollar 'Jasmine' rice, the
reality is that U.S. national public research has the potential to destroy a vital
export market for poor Asian farmers. That the invaluable germplasm may have
been sent, improperly, by an international public science body dedicated to
poverty eradication, raises tough questions about the role of the public sector in
privatized science. Ironically, the very treaty that could help resolve these issues
is endangered by this latest biopiracy. ETC group (formerly RAFI) draws out the
international consequences.
NFU opposes GM canola (10/26/2001)
The Saskatchewan Organic Directorate has recruited an ally in its class-action lawsuit against
those who introduced genetically modified canola to the Prairies.
Bush pushes biotechnology at Asia-Pacific economic confab (10/24/2001) SHANGHAI, China, October 22, 2001 (ENS) - Heads of government meeting at the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Sunday endorsed a proposal by the
United States to establish a new high level policy dialogue on biotechnology.
Goal: Provide broad-based non-distorting farm safety net and environmental
enhancement programs for U.S. farmers and ranchers that rely on shared
responsibility between producers and government.
Summary: New broad-based farm safety net and environmental enhancement
programs would begin in 2003. Existing farm commodity programs would be phased
out over the three-year 2003-2005 period. The existing crop insurance program
would be retained with some changes.