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Farmers, seed producers welcome science-based reform to EU gene editing rules
At a Euractiv media event to mark the launch of the Breakthrough Institute/Alliance for Science’s new report on ‘new genomic techniques,’ stakeholders representing farmers, seed producers, and policymakers welcomed the more science-based approach proposed by the European Commission. Speaking at the event were Klaus Berend, Director, Food Safety,…
‘Win for science’ as French court dismisses defamation lawsuit by anti-GMO scientist Seralini
In a major victory for science, a French court on 17 October dismissed a defamation lawsuit by the notorious French anti-GMO activist scientist Gilles-Eric Séralini, finding instead in favor of three fact-finding journalists whom Séralini had sued for calling his work “fraudulent.” Geraldine Woessner, one of the three journalists targeted…
Is science misinformation the new pandemic after Covid-19?
There is a decent chance that you come across misinformation at least once a week about climate change, politics, vaccines, and genetically engineered organisms (GMOs). Misinformation about these contentious issues is persistent and often difficult to correct. Specifically, misinformation about GMOs borders on a pandemic. It is usually characterized…
Profile: Dr Sheila Ochugboju reflects on her past and sees a bright future for Alliance for Science and a green, food-secure Africa
Like all great stories, it starts with lizards. Lizards and butterflies, scorpions and snakes and rivers. It starts with wide-open African skies waiting to be painted by restless imaginations. “I was left to roam and explore nature in my tiny village of Nigeria. I was told to be careful…
South-South collaboration: Countries to form pro-science group for sharing knowledge on biotech development and regulation
The South-South Collaboration on Innovations Workshop ended on Friday, August 25, 2023, with an agreement to form a pro-science group. The meeting that started on August 23 in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together representatives from 15 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia who have direct input in establishing…
There is need to work together to reduce contentious issues on biotechnology, experts advise
Miscommunication and unnecessary clashes among various stakeholders and experts are the biggest obstacles to developing biotechnology and food security in the Global South. This emerged during a rare meeting of lawyers, regulators, and scientists in Nairobi on August 24, 2023. Prof. Collins Odote. [Manyara Kinoti]Professor Collins Odote, the chair…
Countries from Global South urged to harmonize regulatory frameworks on biotechnology
Global South countries have been told to harmonize their regulatory approaches for biotechnology and new breeding techniques. Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) chief executive, Dr Roy Mugiira, said many countries in the Global North have adopted a common approach to regulating these new technologies. The Global…
Eleven countries in Africa have approved GM crops but only seven have regulatory legislation
Only seven African countries have laws regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is despite the fact at least 11 African countries have genetically modified crop approvals. African countries face the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and genetic technologies have been proposed as potential…
Africa’s anti-GMO activists spread myths and fear but do not provide any scientific evidence
Since Genetically Modified Organisms were introduced in Africa, they have faced misconceptions and myths surrounding their safety, environmental impact, and benefits. Ironically, the debate is led by environmental activists who have based their understanding on hearsay, not scientific facts. [Reinout Dujardin/ Pixabay]In Africa, where agriculture plays a…