Information & Resources

As climate change threatens European agriculture, debate over GMO crops is reignited

Michael Stebbins - Feb 28, 2023

A recent Yahoo News story noted:  "Last summer in Europe marked a turning point for agriculture, with searing temperatures that broke historical records, and droughts that dried up rivers and caused crops to shrivel. With similar scenarios predicted for this year as global temperatures continue to rise, some experts are once again pushing the use of new strains of crops currently classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are capable of withstanding heat waves and drought to help the continent adapt to changing weather patterns and help save its agr [...]

GMO misinformation will impact Kenya's food security negatively

Michael Stebbins - Feb 28, 2023

In a new guest column in The Standard (Kenya), Dr. Sheila Ochugboju with the Alliance for Science writes, "Over the past few months, Kenyans have been immersed in a furious debate about the merits of so-called 'GMOs' - the catch-all term commonly used for genetically modified food and crops. It is an important subject because genetic improvements in Kenya's staple food crops like maize could be important in raising yields and adapting to climate change in the face of historic droughts. They could also bring down food prices, reduce the use of pesticides and help tackle the country's c [...]

You are Myth Taken: GMOs

Michael Stebbins - Feb 28, 2023

The aim of the European Seed series on Myths, Fake News, Misinformation, and Disinformation is to dive deeper, taking a closer look at a variety of seed-related topics. This article looks at the myths surrounding GMOs. GMO stands for “genetically modified organism.” It most commonly refers to organisms — often plants — that have been modified to achieve desired traits, like drought-tolerance and pest-resistance, using recombinant DNA techniques or genetic engineering (GE). It’s a misleading term since we’ve been modifying the genetics of organisms since the dawn of agriculture. Bu [...]

Give farmers a chance: Pro-GMO activists march through Nairobi and Kampala calling for the adoption of improved seeds

Michael Stebbins - Feb 28, 2023

  Pro-GMO activists marched through Nairobi in Kenya and Kampala in Uganda on February 10 and 15, 2023, calling for the adoption of improved seeds. They carried placards with pro-GMO slogans such as Genetically Modified Crops are Safe and Nutritious and Yes to Food Security. This was in response to a petition filed at the East African Court of Justice in January by anti-GMO activists who are asking the court to block Kenya from adopting GM crops after President William Ruto lifted a decade-old ban on the same in 2022. “We have come to show solidarity w [...]

GMO food labeling has been required in the U.S. for a year. Have consumers noticed?

Michael Stebbins - Jan 31, 2023

Genetically modified foods have been on supermarket shelves since the 1990s, but they’ve only required a label for the last year. The USDA says implementation and compliance with the program have been “successful,” while experts suggest consumers aren’t noticing the labels. Take a look at the back of the cans and boxes in your cupboards and you’re likely to see some that say “contains bioengineered food ingredients.” A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began mandating labeling for foods that are genetically modified or contain GMO ingredients. The national standard was endors [...]

Science says GMO foods are safe

Michael Stebbins - Jan 30, 2023

A new blog post from the Skeptical Raptor notes:   " When I was writing the articles about organic foods, I noticed that GMO foods are not safe according to the organic food lobby. Of course, there seems to be an incredible amount of pseudoscientific claims about GMO food safety, so I thought that I needed to put together an article that shows the science of GMO foods, and the scientific consensus is that they are safe. I know that many of my progressive friends are going to dispute this fact, but it’s time to let the science speak on this matte [...]

Tanzania will ‘play a key role in GMO science despite the propaganda’

Michael Stebbins - Jan 30, 2023

Several African scientists who are knowledgeable about GMO science argue that contrary to ongoing anti-GMO propaganda the actual threat to Africa’s seed systems and agriculture is not GMOs but rather the fear of them. Dr. Daniel Maeda, a Tanzanian cellular biologist and biotechnology expert, is one such scientist. Dr. Maeda, who doubles as a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, recently stated on the BBC’s Kiswahili Service that East Africa should harmonize GMO regulatory requirements considering Kenya’s recent decision to lift a ban on GMOs and their importation. Dr [...]

Does GMO coffee exist?

Michael Stebbins - Jan 05, 2023

Coffee is one of the world’s biggest cash crops, with coffee production supporting an estimated 125 million people along the Bean Belt. According to the International Coffee Organisation, some 167.2 million 60kg bags of green coffee will be produced in 2022/23. Today, there are around 120 identified species of coffee, which means there is an almost endless number of different varieties – especially when we consider wild varieties which grow naturally. Hybrid varieties, which are cultivated by researchers and agronomists to improve both yield and quality, are also becoming more com [...]

With Kenya poised to embrace growing and importing genetically modified crops, Ugandan farmers and scientists bemoan their country’s inaction

Michael Stebbins - Jan 05, 2023

The decision last fall by newly-elected Kenyan President, Dr. William Samoei arap Ruto to lift his country’s 10-year ban on GM-food imports and cultivation —currently being evaluated by the High Court — has sparked a grassroots push in neighboring Uganda to follow Kenya’s president’s embrace of modern ag technology.   Scientists and farmers in Uganda, which neighbors Kenya to the west, have welcomed Ruto’s move, hopeful they will gain access to GM-seeds through the porous border. Uganda has lagged behind Kenya over the years in agricultural innovation. Farmers eager for the l [...]

Exploring the ins and outs of plant biotechnology

Michael Stebbins - Jan 05, 2023

Since the beginning of agriculture, farmers have always been looking at innovative ways to improve the characteristics and traits of plants to specifically select for more nutritious, tastier crops with better yields. Chantel Arendse, plant biotechnology lead at CropLife South Africa, gives insight into plant biotechnology, and the importance of quality and safety. Improving crops is not something new, as the breeding process evolved, new tools evolved for the enhancement of plants/crops. Each year, millions of farmers around the world plant biotech crops for numerous reasons, but esse [...]