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The GM debate

Genetically modified food is one of the great opinion-dividers of our time. Some argue that GM foods reap irreparable damage on the environment and human health. But others say they could be the answer to a secure food supply for the world’s growing population.

Monsanto to appeal court-ordered destruction of GM sugar beets

03-Dec-2010 - Monsanto has said it will appeal a federal court’s decision issued on Tuesday ordering the destruction of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets.

Federal judge orders destruction of illegal GM sugar beets

02-Dec-2010 - A federal court judge has ordered the destruction of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets planted in September, saying that they were planted in contravention of a previous court decision.

Canadian firm seeks US approval for non-browning GM apple

30-Nov-2010 - A Canadian biotechnology firm has asked the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve a genetically modified (GM) apple that resists browning after it is sliced or bruised.

USDA issues draft environmental assessment of GM sugar beets

05-Nov-2010 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) of genetically modified sugar beets, including an option to permit planting of the beets under certain conditions.

Whole Foods calls for better labeling of GMOs

05-Oct-2010 - Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Non-GMO Project in order to raise consumer awareness of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods, as part of the project’s first Non-GMO Month, Whole Foods said.

Court finds USDA (again) acted illegally on GM sugar beet planting

01-Oct-2010 - A federal court has ruled that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has again acted illegally by allowing limited planting of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets despite a court-ordered ban.

GM salmon assessment ‘inappropriate’, say Senators

30-Sep-2010 - Eleven US Senators have signed a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg urging the agency to find another way to assess the safety of genetically engineered (GE) salmon.

No recommendation on GM salmon after hearings

21-Sep-2010 - After two days of hearings, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel has called for more research to decide whether genetically engineered salmon is safe for consumption.

USDA sued over GM sugar

10-Sep-2010 - A coalition of environmental and farming groups has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) accusing it of sidestepping a ban on the planting of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets.

GE salmon ‘as safe to eat as other salmon’, says FDA

07-Sep-2010 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that genetically engineered (GE) salmon is safe for human consumption in documents released ahead of a public meeting on the issue due later this month.

New rules for biotech beets by the end of the year, says USDA

03-Sep-2010 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said that temporary rules will be worked out for the planting of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets by the end of the year after a federal judge blocked their planting last month.

Monsanto invests in collaboration with Australian wheat breeders

27-Aug-2010 - Monsanto has announced a new wheat breeding program with Australian wheat breeding firm InterGrain, which could lead to drought-resistant wheat and improved end-use qualities, the companies said.

FDA calls meeting to consider genetically engineered salmon

27-Aug-2010 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said its Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will meet on September 19 and 20 to discuss the possible commercialization of genetically engineered salmon.

Court blocks planting of GM sugar beets pending assessment

16-Aug-2010 - A federal judge ruled on Friday that genetically modified (GM) sugar beets should not be planted or processed until the US Department of Agriculture has carried out a thorough assessment of their impact on other crops.

Study suggests GM traits could be common in the wild

09-Aug-2010 - Scientists have found evidence that genetically modified (GM) crops could be prevalent in the wild, according to new research presented to the Ecological Society of America last week.

Supreme Court overturns ban on GM alfalfa planting

23-Jun-2010 - In its first ever assessment on genetically modified (GM) crops, the Supreme Court has overturned a ban on planting of GM alfalfa, with potential implications for GM crops throughout the US.

Survey suggests most Americans would accept 'sustainable' GM wheat

03-Jun-2010 - Many American consumers would be receptive to foods containing genetically modified wheat if it is produced sustainably, suggests a new survey examining attitudes to food technologies from the International Food Information Council (IFIC).

Monsanto asks Supreme Court to lift alfalfa planting ban

28-Apr-2010 - Monsanto has asked the US Supreme Court to end a ban on planting of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa that was instigated due to environmental impact concerns back in 2007.

Canadian Flax Council partners with Cibus for non-GM flax traits

23-Apr-2010 - The Flax Council of Canada has partnered with Cibus Global to develop new non-GM flax traits to increase flaxseed production while ensuring a supply that has broad global appeal.

Monsanto case against alfalfa ban reaches the Supreme Court

18-Jan-2010 - The Supreme Court has agreed to review a court order that halted the planting of genetically modified alfalfa made by Monsanto.

Partnership promises high quality non-GM potatoes

03-Dec-2009 - Cibus Global and Naturally Enhanced United Seed (NEU Seed) have come together with new technology to develop better quality non-GM potatoes, the seed trait development firms said on Wednesday.

Bioexx says canola protein has self-affirmed GRAS status

01-Dec-2009 - Canada’s Bioexx has announced it has that it has completed the self-affirmation process to qualify its specialty canola protein isolate Isolexx as self-affirmed GRAS (‘Generally Regarded as Safe’) for use in baked goods and other food products.