This year will likely be the hottest on record, and with it could come more floods and droughts. It could have a serious impact on rice, wheat and maize yields. Find out more…
All posts by FX Team
THE FAST LANE TO CARBON SAVINGS
Farmers are in the fast lane to CO2 savings. Here’s how no-till agriculture has helped farmers cut their emissions.
EFSA: GLYPHOSATE UNLIKELY TO CAUSE CANCER
A peer review expert group composed of scientists from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and representatives of risk assessment bodies in EU Member States have finalized the reassessment of glyphosate. The report concludes that glyphosate is unlikely to be genotoxic (damaging to DNA), or to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans, and proposes a new safety measure that will tighten the control of glyphosate residues in food. Continue reading…
Source: Crop Biotech Update (Nov 18 2015 Issue)
NEW BOOK ABOUT 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH GM CROPS
In spite of the rapid adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in some countries, the use of this technology remains contentious. Public opposition and overregulation have become real threats to further developments in modern plant sciences. It is widely believed that GM crops are bad for human health, damage the environment, and hurt smallholder farmers in developing countries, but research shows that the opposite is true. Continue Reading…
Source: Crop Biotech Update (Nov 18 2015 Issue)
AUSTRALIAN RESEARCHERS DISCOVER KEY GENE TO IMPROVE BARLEY’S DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Researchers from The University of Queensland in Australia have identified a keygene in barley that allows the plant to get water stored deep in the soil duringdrought. Dr. Lee Hickey from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation said that the gene promoted narrow root growth, which allowed the plant to grow roots that penetrate down to water stored deep within the soil. Continue reading…
Source: Crop Biotech Update (www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate)
CHINA’S SEED LAW AMENDED
A draft amendment to China’s Seed Law was submitted to the legislature for a second reading at the start of the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress on October 30, 2015. The amendment removes the barriers for those applying for a seed production and trade license as the government hopes to stimulate innovation at the industry-level so China can compete with other countries. Continue reading…
Source: Crop Biotech Update (www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REJECTS NATIONAL GMO BANS PROPOSAL
The European Parliament rejected the draft EU law that allows any EU member state to ban or restrict the sale or use of EU-approved GM product in its territory. Members are concerned that if the law is approved, it would lead to reintroduction of border checks between pro- and anti-GMO countries. They asked the Commission to draft a new proposal about the issue. Continue reading…
Source: Crop Biotech Update (www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate)
DO YOU KNOW how a biotech crop is created?
For thousands of years, farmers and researchers used traditional breeding methods to develop many of the domesticated crops we enjoy today. In the past 100 years though, our global population tripled and plant breeders needed faster and more effective methods to meet the growing demands of our world. Biotechnology provided precise tools that enabled researchers to add a ‘trait’ or characteristic to a plant. These traits can make the crop heartier and healthier, add higher levels of vitamins, or provide a longer shelf-life after harvest _ the opportunities are endless.
MEET THREE INSPIRING LADIES IN AGRICULTURE
Agnes Quaye farms cocoa in West Africa. Cecelia Mejía Domínguez grows strawberries, maize and potatoes in Honduras. Grace Amma farms and trains farmers in India. What do these three women have in common? They are all leading agricultural figures in their communities. Watch these short videos to hear their stories.
DO YOU KNOW WHY do farmers need to control weeds and insects?
The majority of weeds and insects are unwelcome in a farmer’s field. Left uncontrolled they can reduce plant health, robbing a crop of yield and quality. This also impacts a farmer’s bottom line. It’s in everyone’s best interest to limit weeds and insect pressure to help achieve a harvest of safe, affordable and abundant food.
Source: CropLife International
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY 101 – Answering Your Questions