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Moderated conference on GMOs in the pipeline, hosted by the FAO Biotechnology Forum in 2012

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Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:44:33 +0100
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This is Adrian Dubock again.

In message 58 concerning the Bt Brinjal debate occurs the following sentence: "it is best to adopt the precautionary principle as stated in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which is the international standard to regulate GMOs." 

I disagree. In his essay "The Real GM Food Scandal" Lord Dick Taverne wrote (Prospect Magazine, November 2007, p 24-27): "The [precautionary] principle has long been a major impediment to good sense in public policy. It is either so obvious as to be otiose ("if there is cause for concern, be careful"), or so vague as to be meaningless. But in its most common application-"where an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically"-it has been an invaluable tool for those who want to stop any new scientific development that they dislike."

Also in message 58 is stated: "And finally, I would like to point out that there is something called "choice" and every farmer whether in the developed or developing world should have this "choice"."  

How do poor Indian farmers who would like to have choice to help them have harvestable and consumable Bt brinjal from the land which they work exercise their choice? I note from this conference that Bt Brinjal is already being grown and consumed in Pakistan. Presumably it is already being grown in India too. Just as Bt cotton was in India before it was registered for use. Just as glyphosate tolerant corn was in Brazil before it was registered. Growers will demonstrate their choice for more productive agriculture, if they are not held back by excessive concern, and even it appears, eventually when they are.

Adrian C Dubock PhD
Golden Rice Project Manager
Switzerland
contact (at) goldenrice.org 

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