According to media reports, government is planning to set up a new research facility which will enable smaller firms to outsource field trials. This will create a level playing field among biotech companies developing genetically modified (GM) seeds. Currently smaller biotech firms are at a disadvantage when it comes undertaking field trials due to high costs, the high probability of failure, and chance of rejection of field trials. Read more...

 Wales' new GM regulations not acceptable to biotech firms

Biotech companies have hit out at Wales' tough stand on genetically modified crops and said any ban on GM crops could spell disaster for the Welsh livestock sector. Earlier this month, Welsh Assembly Government had moved a draft bill to keep GM crops out of Wales. The draft regulations place financial responsibility of any environmental damage caused by the planting of GM crops, which the biotech companies believe is inconsistent with EU guidelines on GM crops. Read more...

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Release of data on GM brinjal field trials challenged

Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd (Mahyco), the seed partner of multinational agriculture biotech company Monsanto Corporation, has moved to Delhi High Court against a Central Information Commission order seeking details of the safety test data generated during clinical trials of its genetically modified (GM) brinjal. Mahyco had submitted the data with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for clearances. Greenpeace has sought this information under the Right to Information Act. While DBT turned down the Greenpeace's application on the grounds that the information sought by Greenpeace included commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the Central Information Commission argued that the data were not meant for commercial purposes and was sought to ascertain the risks that GM crops pose. Read more...

Unapproved GM Rice 'Unsafe' say UK agency

Rice products imported from China contaminated with the unapproved and GM trait Bt63 have been confirmed as 'unsafe' by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA in its letter stated the unauthorised GM material is 'unsafe' and suggested that food business operators should inform enforcement authorities if such rice has left their possession, initiate procedures to withdraw it and to recall it if has reached consumers. The EC regulations define food as 'unsafe' if it is injurious to health and or unfit for human consumption. Bt63 was developed at the Huazhong Agricultural University in China and has not been approved anywhere in the world for commercial growing.  Read more...