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<td height="205" valign="top" width="478"><font color="#666666" size="1"><img src="http://www.bic.searca.org/e-news/images/inthenews.jpg" width="139" height="28"></font> <br><a class="date"><em><font color="#666666" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Posted 15 September 2008</font></em></a><br>
<br><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>PHILIPPINES</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>1-PROF SUGGESTS STEP TO SAVE COTTON INDUSTRY <br>
2-DOST TO HONOR 10 TOP SCIENTISTS AT MANILA HOTEL RITES <br>3-FILIPINOS SHINE IN ASIAN SCIENCE CAMP<br>4-RP NEEDS 21,000 SCIENTISTS <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>CHINA</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
5-CHINA'S PUSH TO BECOME GLOBAL BIOTECHNOLOGY LEADER <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>INDIA</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
6-Bt BRINJAL TO GO COMMERCIAL NEXT YEAR <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>SOUTH AFRICA</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
7-SAFRICA OKAYS SORGHUM TRIALS TO IMPROVE NUTRITION IN AFRICA: OFFICIAL <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>EUROPE</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
8-EUROPEAN UNION APPROVES BAYER GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEAN <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GLOBAL</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
9-GM CROPS 'THE ONLY WAY TO FEED WORLD' SAYS AGRI EXPERT <br><br></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
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<div align="left"><br><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>1-PROF SUGGESTS STEP TO SAVE COTTON INDUSTRY</strong><br>by Marianne V. Go <br>14-September-2008 The Philippine STAR<br><br>The importation of the genetically-modified Bt cotton technology for local use would help save the dying Philippine cotton industry, UPLB professor Agnes Rola said.<br>
<br>She stressed imported Bt cotton technology is resistant to major pests like cotton bollworm and pink bollworm which is plaguing the domestic cotton industry.<br><br>Improving Philippine cotton production, Rola said, could save the country up to $75 million per year.<br>
<br>UPLB recently undertook a study to determine whether the imported technology could benefit the Philippine cotton industry.<br><br>Local research and development on Bt cotton is expected to cost P6 million, the study said.<br>
<br>Results showed that planting Bt cotton in the Philippines would significantly increase the yield and profit of farmers.<br><br>The effectiveness and efficiency of the imported technology has been proven and used in countries like China, Argentina, India, Mexico, South Africa and the US.<br>
<br>Commercialization of Bt cotton, the study showed, would not be costly if the regulatory compliance is not prohibitive and if the total area to be planted is not less than 5,000 hectares.<br><br>Return on investment is expected to be anywhere from 43 percent to 68 percent, a benefit cost ratio of 3.36 to 4.74, a net present value of P512 million to P574 million for a 20-year period. The payback period is five years.<br>
<br>For farmers, the decrease in production cost is expected to be P12,000 per hectare due to reduced use of pesticides and a 20 percent increase in yield.<br><br>Decreased pesticide use would also have a positive impact on the environment.<br>
<br>The study pointed out that to attain potential benefits, Bt cotton must be planted above the required 5,000 hectares.<br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>2-DOST TO HONOR 10 TOP SCIENTISTS AT MANILA HOTEL RITES</strong><br>
by Madel R. Sabater<br>10-September-2008 Manila Bulletin<br><br>Ten top scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) over the last 50 years will be awarded today (September 10) at the historic landmark Manila Hotel as part of DoST's year-long celebration of its golden anniversary.<br>
<br>The award, dubbed "50 Men and Women of Science," seeks to recognize DoST achievers in various S & T fields who have made significant contributions here and even abroad. <br><br>These include 10 top DoST college and postgraduate scholars over the last half century.<br>
<br>The awarding ceremonies will be led by Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro and DoST Undersecretary for S & T Services Fortunato dela Peña, chairman of the DoST golden jubilee steering committee.<br>
<br>The 10 top DoST scholars who will be awarded today are the following:<br><br>1. Dr. Jose Bacusmo, president of the Visayas State University and the only university president who was included in the list of the 50 Men and Women of Science. <br>
<br>Bacusmo is responsible for the approval of new science and technology (S & T) projects at VSU amounting to P47.6 million.<br><br>2. Dr. Carmen Centeno, an associate professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Engineering who carved a niche in the area of hazardous wastes management.<br>
<br>3. Dr. Elmer Dadios, a scholar of the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD – DoST) from 1990 to 1992 whose researches range from Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithms, Evolutionary Computation and information technology (IT).<br>
<br>4. Dr. Jonathan Dungca, an associate professor at the De La Salle University (DLSU) – Manila, and who specializes in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering and earthquake engineering.<br><br>5. Dr. Filipinas Natividad, who is responsible for the establishment of the first Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in the Philippine and introduced to the country the pioneering application of stem cell transplant for ocular surface disorders, particularly at St. Luke's Medical Center.<br>
<br>Natividad also implemented the first curriculum for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Diliman, and developed the first Master of Science (MS) in Molecular Medicine program in the country which will be offered this coming October at the St. Luke's College of Medicine.<br>
<br>6. Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, scientist emerita at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Primavera is recognized for her exemplary work in aquaculture, fisheries and mangrove ecology, warning of the negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts of unplanned aquaculture, including shrimp farming. She was conferred a PhD in Science honoris causa by Stockholm University in 2004.<br>
<br>7. Dr. Henry Ramos, who established the Plasma Physics Laboratory at the National Institute of Physics (NIP) in UP - Diliman. Dr. Ramos developed a state-of-the-art process technology using plasma enhanced chemical vapor device for comparatively inexpensive hard coating of cutting tools, which is now patented in Taiwan and the US.<br>
<br>8. Dr. Delfin Jay Sabido IX, a former Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI- DoST) director who initiated programs on open source software, RF integrated circuits, wireless technologies, network management and communication protocol development. <br>
<br>He also actively pursued the establishment of the Philippine Research, Education and Government Information Network (PREGINET) and the creation of Bayanihan Linux.<br><br>9. Dr. Edward Wang, current associate dean for Faculty and Students in UP - Manila College of Medicine who has done outstanding work in musculoskeletal tumor research.<br>
<br>10. Dr. Fortunato Sevilla III, UST professor and assistant to the Rector for Research and Development.<br><br>Sevilla specializes in instrumentation and analytical science, paving the way for the development of lowcost chemical instruments like the colorimeter, polarimeter, pH meter, conductimeter, hemoglobinometer, blood photometer, and the iodine meter.<br>
<br>Aside from DoST scholars, the agency will also be conferring awards on the "Men and Women of Science" in the field of S & T administration, technology adoption, science education, and science communication.<br>
<br>The DoST had earlier given the award to the 10 Men and Women of Science in research and development, also at the Manila Hotel.<br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong>---------------------<br>
<strong>3-FILIPINOS SHINE IN ASIAN SCIENCE CAMP</strong><br>by Madel R. Sabater<br>09-September-2008 Manila Bulletin<br><br>Three Filipino college students were among the five members of a team that bagged the first prize in an art competition during the Asian Science Camp in Bali, Indonesia recently.<br>
<br>Fourth year Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry student Joey Mangadlao of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, UP-Los Baños (UPLB) Physics student Raymund Lorenzo Abejuela IV, and Elvis Chua, a BS Chemistry student at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), bagged first prize in the poster-making contest during the Asian Science Camp. The other members of the team are BS Chemistry student Yang Kwang-Wei of the National Taiwan University and Rudolf Bonay of Indonesia.<br>
<br>The team bested 50 other groups in the poster-making competition, bagging certificates and three million rupiah (R13,328.18).<br><br>The winning poster, entitled, "DNAzymes: Gene Carriers of the Past, Catalysts of the Future," was inspired by the talk of Rizal Fajar Hariadi of the California Institute of Technology on Molecular Machines Made of and Fueled by DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).<br>
<br>Mangadlao said the competition made him more eager to pursue a Science career, especially after hearing various Nobel Laureates speak about their accomplishments.<br><br>Mangadlao won the 3rd Grand Award for Microbiology at the 2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Arizona, United States back in high school for his project, "Biologically Potent Broad Spectrum Antibiotics Obtained from Tetrodoxin-Rich Organs of Puffer Fishes."<br>
<br>Department of Science and Techology (DoST) Science Education Institute (SEI) Director Dr. Ester Ogena said the success of the Filipino students in the competition showcased the Filipino's talent not just in Math and Science but also in the arts.<br>
<br>"Our students' international exposures enable them to see the real world with their very eyes and we are confident that once they step into it, they too, shall shine," she said. <br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br>
<strong>4-RP NEEDS 21,000 SCIENTISTS</strong><br>by Rhaydz B. Barcia<br>29-August-2008 </font></font><a href="http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/29/yehey/metro/20080829met2.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Manila Times</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Philippines lacks 21,000 scientists, a situation which badly impacts on the country's economy, an official of the Department of Science and Technology told The Manila Times.<br>
<br>"We don't have enough scientists in the country and this affects the [country's] capacity to generate wealth, new innovations that could create sustainable development. This affects our economy particularly on private and foreign investment because the investors are monitoring our competitiveness," said Dr. Ester Ogena, director of the Science department's education institute.<br>
<br>According to officials from the Science department, the country is lagging behind by 10 years compared to Thailand when it comes to science and technology competitiveness.<br><br>Ogena said the government is looking for human resources to expand the country's scientific pool and nurture science and technology professionals.<br>
<br>She said that based on the world competitiveness index of 137 countries, the Philippines ranked poorly at no. 71.<br><br>"We're on the middle ground and was not improving. This calls for progressive adherence for criteria for development competitiveness," she said.<br>
<br>To address gap of 21,000 scientists, the department is in need of 2,000 scholars annually that will specialize on various science and technology courses.<br><br>Ogena said the government has allocated close to P1 billion to support the scholarship program. Currently there are 3,019 Science department scholars across the country. From l969 to 2008, the Science department was able to produce 12,077 scientists.<br>
<br>Along this program, the department announced the availability of graduate scholarship grants for master and doctorate degrees under the department's accelerated science and technology human resource development program, and engineering research and development for technology for school year 2008 to 2009.<br>
<br>The priority courses include the following: basic sciences; biotechnology; material science and engineering; medical and pharmaceutical sciences; information and communication technology; microelectronics; earth and space science or meteorology; agriculture; forestry and natural resources; fisheries and marine science; and environment.<br>
<br>Science department officials said they are scouting for poor but intelligent students across the country to avail of the scholarship programs.<br><br>Students, including those taking their master or doctorate degrees, can also avail of the scholarship grants by filing their application on or before Sept¬ember 30. The examination day is on November 9. <br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>CHINA<br>5-CHINA'S PUSH TO BECOME GLOBAL BIOTECHNOLOGY LEADER<br>
</strong>08-September-2008 </font></font><a href="http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Chinas-push-to-become-global-biotechnology-leader-11560-3-1.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Commodity Online</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">BEIJING: When several countries in the world are scared of looming food crisis, China is taking some key initiatives to ensure food security and ensure people from hunger and poverty, <br>
<br>China plans to use the power of biotechnology to address key food security issues, says Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. <br><br>He said recently said China would spend an additional $2.9 billion in state support for the development of agricultural biotechnology over the next 15 years. According to a report from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) the move signals China's intent to use biotechnology as a key means to address food security. <br>
<br>Last week, the Monsanto Co. said it has received regulatory approval to import Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans to China, the largest purchaser of U.S. soybeans. The regulatory approval was seen as welcome news by U.S. soybean producers. <br>
<br>"Last year China purchased more than $4 billion worth of soybeans from the United States, and as the standard of living continues to rise for the Chinese, so will the demand for our soybeans," said Johnny Dodson, a soybean producer from Halls, Tennessee, and first vice-president of the American Soybean Association. <br>
<br>"Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans are one of the key technologies that are going to help U.S. farmers meet the world's growing demand for food, feed and fuel made from U.S. soybeans." Monsanto said the soybeans will be introduced on 1 million to 2 million acres for the 2009 season as part of a controlled commercial release, followed by a large-scale product launch of 5 million to 6 million acres scheduled for 2010. <br>
<br>A change to permit the planting of biotech food crops (rice, corn and soybeans) could significantly alter Chinese production and rural economy in the coming years, the FAS said. However, concerns still remain about transparency in China's biotechnology regulatory and approval system and its ability to evolve with this rapidly changing technology. <br>
<br>China is currently the sixth largest producer of biotechnology enhanced plants based on total acreage (3.8 million hectares in 2007). China also is the largest export market for U.S. crops produced with the aid of biotechnology. <br>
<br>The Chinese State Council recently approved a special science and technology fund with up to 20 billion yuan ($ 2.9 billion) for research of new varieties of biotech crops from 2006-20. <br><br>Over the years, the Chinese government has been implementing a couple of programs that prioritize the development of biotechnology. The programs cover a wide spectrum in basic research, high-tech development as well as industrialization, which include Basic Research Program, Hi-Tech Research and Development Program, Key S&T Problem Solving Program, Key Science Infrastructure Program, Key Industrial Pilot Program, as well as the establishment of Key Laboratories and Engineering Centers, etc. <br>
<br>Science and education hold the key to a prosperous future. The funding from government for R&D has been increasing continuously during the past over 20 years. We have adopted preferential policies in venture capital and taxation for the research institutes and high-tech companies. Many R&D centers and bases on biotechnology have been set up and more and more scientists with Ph.D. degree are returning home after receiving training in western countries. <br>
<br>There are more than 400 universities, research institutes and companies and a total of over 20,000 scientists and researchers involved in biotechnology.<br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br>
</font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>INDIA<br>6-Bt BRINJAL TO GO COMMERCIAL NEXT YEAR<br></strong>by Dilip Kumar Jha<br>11-September-2008 </font></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=334031" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Business Standard</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">After an overwhelming success of Bacillus thurengiensis (Bt) cotton, Bt brinjal is all set to go commercial from the next sowing season, with the completion of its trial runs. After the launch, Bt brinjal will become the first edible product in the country to be grown using genetically modified (GM) seeds.<br>
<br>According to R K Sinha, executive director, All India Crop Biotechnology Association, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been sowing GM seeds of Bt brinjal for the last four to five years and has found no harm in commercialising it with adequate approval from the authorities concerned. This year, ICAR covered between 15 and 18 acres under Bt brinjal across the country to test the viability of commercialisation before the final approval.<br>
<br>"Brinjal is a staple food for many poor people, which also has medicinal properties. Hence, commercialisation would not only benefit farmers, who can save their investment in pesticides, but may also boost their income by way of a higher production," Sinha said.<br>
<br>On December 10, 2007, the Supreme Court had refused to stay Mahyco's (Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company) trials of Bt brinjal in various parts of the country following a plea from social activists Aruna Rodrigues and P V Satheesh. A committee, under the union ministry of environment and forests, had given a clearances for the large-scale field trials in August 2007. According to a study by Mahyco, the technology supplier for Bt brinjal and a strong advocate of genetically-modified agricultural crops, farmers invest about Rs 100 per pesticide spray per acre for anywhere between 40-45 sprays of the 90-day brinjal crop.<br>
<br>Secondly, harvesting is not allowed after four to five days of spraying to avoid any residual pesticides, which may be consumed directly under the existing norms. But farmers continue to harvest within two days of spraying. Hence, the intake of pesticides through fruits and vegetables is high, the study pointed out.<br>
<br>By sowing Bt brinjal, hardly one or two sprays are required against the insect attack. But the number of sprays may increase depending upon the intensity of pest infestation, said Mahendra Kumar Sharma, general manager, Mahyco, who is also closely monitoring the developments of Bt brinjal.<br>
<br>Launched about six years ago, Bt cotton has covered almost 70 per cent of the area under cotton in India. This is likely to rise further to 80 per cent this year. A change in farming techniques has revolutionalised the living standards of cotton farmers by enriching them monetarily.<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>SOUTH AFRICA<br>7-SAFRICA OKAYS SORGHUM TRIALS TO IMPROVE NUTRITION IN AFRICA: OFFICIAL<br>
</strong>11-September-2008 </font></font><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080911/sc_afp/safricaafricafoodfarmsorghum;_ylt=A9G_RqbXVM1IRE0BtRCJhMgF" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Agence France Presse via Yahoo</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - The South African government Thursday approved trials on genetically-modified sorghum in a bid to improve nutrition in Africa, an official statement said. <br>
<br>The official nod to undertake the greenhouse trials on sorghum was given to South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), one of the key scientific agencies in an international research project to enhance the nutritional values of sorghum, the CSIR text said.<br>
<br>Sorghum is an African crop and staple food of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.<br><br>While it is one of the few crops that grow well in arid parts, it is lacking in most essential nutrients and it has poor protein digestibility, the statement said.<br>
<br>Scientific evidence shows that deficiencies in essential micronutrients -- such as iron, zinc, Vitamin A and others -- can cause impaired immune systems, blindness, low birth weight, impaired neuropsychological development and growth stunting, it said.<br>
<br>Malnutrition is a major cause of the rise in the many non-communicable diseases, especially in Africa.<br><br>The Africa Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) project -- which involves seven African and two US organisations -- seeks to develop a more nutritious and easily digestible sorghum that contains increased levels of essential amino acids, especially lysine, increased levels of Vitamins A and E, and more available iron and zinc.<br>
<br>The CSIR Biosciences executive director, Gatsha Mazithulela, said the project approval "is in the best interest of scientific inquiry and provides a basis for making a difference to the neediest people of our continent."<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>EUROPE<br>8-EUROPEAN UNION APPROVES BAYER GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEAN<br>
</strong>08-September-2008 </font></font><a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djhighlights/200809080910DOWJONESDJONLINE000279.htm" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Dow Jones via CNN Money.com</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- The European Commission Monday approved imports of a genetically modified variety of soybean developed by Bayer AG (BAY.XE), a move that may help prevent European animal feed shortages in the coming years.<br>
<br>Without the approval, E.U. farmers would be effectively blocked from importing soybeans from the U.S., where millions of acres of the new crop, known under the code A2704-12, are expected to be planted next year. Importers would be unlikely to ship soybeans - a crucial source of protein in animal feed - from the U.S. for fear that their cargoes would be contaminated with the biotech soybean.<br>
<br>The approval, which lasts for 10 years, comes after the European Council couldn't agree whether to approve or reject the soybean for import, sending the final decision back to the commission under the E.U.'s complicated procedure for approving genetically modified crops. The commission usually accepts the decision of the European Food Safety Authority, which last year said Bayer's soybean was safe to import.<br>
<br>The E.U. is also considering whether to allow imports of another soybean that will be grown next year in the U.S., the Roundup Ready 2 soybean, developed by Monsanto (MON). The soybean must be approved for import before the end of the harvest in 2009, or importers might not be able to ship any soybeans from the U.S. due to fears that their shipments may be contaminated by a prohibited crop.<br>
<br>Over 20 new genetically modified soybeans are under development by the biotech industry, and farmers fear the E.U.'s biotech approval process, much slower than in the U.S., will eventually prevent them from importing soybeans into Europe from the U.S., once a biotech soybean is grown in the U.S. that hasn't received European import approval.<br>
<br>The situation has led the E.U. to consider allowing trace amounts of unapproved genetically modified plants in agricultural imports to maintain trade in soybeans and other crucial products. The E.U. imports about three quarters of its total soybean supply, mainly from the U.S., Argentina and Brazil.<br>
<br>By Matthew Dalton, Dow Jones Newswires; +32 2 741 1487; matthew.dalton@ <a href="http://dowjones.com">dowjones.com</a> <br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>GLOBAL<br>
9-GM CROPS 'THE ONLY WAY TO FEED WORLD' SAYS AGRI EXPERT<br></strong>08-September-2008 </font></font><a href="http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24308745-11949,00.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Australian</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">FOOD producers will have little choice but to use genetically modified crops to feed the growing population, according to US agribusiness specialist John Baize.<br><br>
"People need to look ahead and see what we are facing here," he told The Australian in an exclusive interview. <br><br>"We saw the food prices this year that went through the roof across the world. <br><br>
"It is only going to get more intense if you look at the population growth in the future." <br><br>He says that feeding an estimated billion extra people, mostly in the poorest countries, by the year 2040 will come down to a few choices, based on official US government forecasts. <br>
<br>"Either we say we are going to eat less, which is not realistic, or we cut down rainforest on critical lands to expand production, or we boost productivity. <br><br>"To me that is a very simple question. You go to where you can use the best technology to increase productivity -- and that is biotechnology." <br>
<br>The problem, he says, is that there is little room left to expand agriculture. <br><br>Baize says the only options are clearing forests in countries like Brazil and Borneo. He says farming needs warm weather and water. "That is going to put you in the tropics and that will mean deforestation." <br>
<br>The alternative is to increase yields, he says. "In corn or maize in the US, we are getting rapid increases in yield, but they are coming from biotech corn varieties which are stacked with different traits so they are resistant to the corn borer, the corn root worm, and they also are glyphosate-tolerant." <br>
<br>Baize is based in Virginia in the US, where most of the corn, cotton and soybeans now grown are genetically modified. <br><br>He says the GM plants require minimal pesticide and less ploughing, which means less fuel is used. <br>
<br>He says farmers have seen yields increase by 10 to 15 per cent, and have been quick to adopt GM crops. "Over 90 per cent of soybeans in the US are biotech, effectively 100 per cent of Argentina is biotech, probably 65 per cent of Brazil is, and it will go up to 90 per cent as fast as they can get there." <br>
<br>Baize says crops genetically modified to tolerate drought would greatly increase productivity in dry parts of Australia. <br><br>While GM crops have been accepted in most of the Americas, it is a different story in Europe and Australia. In Australia, GM cotton is grown in NSW and Queensland. It has resulted in a reduction in herbicide and insecticide use of between 56 and 75 per cent. Both NSW and Victoria recently allowed the cultivation of GM canola. But GM crops are banned in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Baize, in Australia to address clients of Optimal Funds Management, notes there is "a scepticism over there (in Europe) about science and government. There are many similarities between biotechnology and nuclear power. <br>
<br>"Both of them, the lay person doesn't understand them. It is easy to sow doubts and fears in people." <br><br>Baize argues that worrying about GM crops "is a luxury of certain people in wealthy countries. The people in poor countries are concerned about the volume of food they get: they want to be able to afford food." <br>
<br>He says the sooner that Australia has a debate on GM, "to look at the facts rather than the emotion and the innuendo, the quicker Australia will move forward".<br></font><br><a class="footer"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
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