GMO

The tree of knowledge of good and evil

It’s common to make biblical references when we want to underscore how ancient something is, but in the case of apples, we know they’ve been around for a very long time. Originating in Central Asia, hybrid varieties propagated through grafting were well established over 6,000 years ago. Today there are over 7,500 cultivars world-wide.

Terminator seeds are coming

Tell the Brazilian embassy in Washington, DC to Stop Terminator Seeds Call: +1 (202) 238-2700

Scaling up agroecology: A tool for policy

For those who see agroecological approaches as necessary for achieving the food, health, and environmental targets of post 2015 agenda, agroecology is not only central to maintaining ecosystem integrity, but also to realizing food sovereignty of those involved in food production and consumption.

Don’t stop at the seed: Going beyond non-GMO

Next week the state of Washington will vote on mandatory labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in food products. This is an important election and moment in the battle over GMOs, but in many critical ways, it is increasingly obvious to me that GMO opponents have already won. 

Science means having to say “I’m Sorry”

I’m sorry, but saying that the Green Revolution saved millions of lives is unscientific.

Agroecosystem study implies genetic modification neither helpful nor necessary for yield gains and sustainability

Wow. This seems likely to cause a long-term stir, and I’m quite sure vociferous critiques from many quarters (though likely mostly from the usual suspects).

Missing the story on Golden Rice

In the wake of protests in the Philippines over genetically engineered Golden Rice, a series of articles have appeared in the U.S.

Genetically modified American chestnuts—the next Golden Rice?

Golden Rice’s recent re-emergence in the news reminded me of how long the biotech industry has been touting this “wonder” crop in order to gain approval for genetic modification more broadly.

Biotech industry moves toward “transparency” while pulling the curtain over trade agreements

Earlier this week, Andrew Pollack reported in the New York Times that biotech companies like Monsanto, Dupont and Dow Chemical announced through an industry association that they would be more transparent with the public about the chemicals and genetically modified