Plant engineered to counter a debilitating vitamin A deficiency in developing countries has faced fierce opposition
Golden Rice seemed to be on the cusp of fulfilling its promise. Decades ago, researchers created the genetically modified rice variety to combat vitamin A deficiency, a scourge of the developing world that can cause blindness and even lead to death. But for more than 20 years activists opposed to GM crops kept Golden Rice confined to laboratories and test plots.
The court also found that the government has not established mechanisms to monitor the safety of growing and consuming Golden Rice. So, the decision also blocks new field testing in greenhouses or open fields, crimping research until an approved monitoring scheme is in place.For those on the other side of the dispute, the decision “is a monumental win for Filipino farmers and Filipino people,” Greenpeace Southeast Asia campaigner Wilhelmina Pelegrina said in a statement.
Antonio Contreras, a political scientist at the University of the Philippines Los Baños , believes the court ruling rests on “a misreading of the precautionary principle.” For those opposing GM crops, he says, “just the existence of a plausible risk , even if it is not certain, can stop any measure” to address social problems.
The other option for the government is to appeal to the Supreme Court. This would give the court an opportunity to “provide more guidance on the standard of evidence that a party needs to present in order to show that a crop or an act is harmful or safe for the environment,” Dy says. If the government goes that route, he thinks the Supreme Court could overturn the decision. But the process could take at least 2 years, he says.
The decision could also affect PhilRice’s ongoing work to develop varieties of transgenic rice fortified with zinc and iron and even combine them with Golden Rice. And it blocks planting of a GM pest-resistant eggplant developed by UPLB.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippine court blocks GMO 'golden rice' production over safety fearsA Philippine court has blocked the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice because it said conflicting scientific views gave rise to 'severe' health and environmental safety concerns.
Read more »
USC Football: Jerry Rice Jr. Responds To Robert Griffin III's Brenden Rice CommentsJerry Rice Jr., brother of former USC Trojan wide receiver Brenden Rice, doubles down on the bold prediction former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III made about Brenden.
Read more »
Caleb Williams & Brenden Rice Can Be Next 'Gronk & Tom Brady' In NFL, Rice SaysIf the Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams AND Brenden Rice in this week's NFL draft, they won't regret it ... 'cause Rice tells TMZ Sports he believes the duo can be the next 'Gronk and Tom Brady.'
Read more »
Genetically modified golden rice may yet succeed in the PhilippinesA court in the Philippines revoked the permit to grow rice genetically modified to boost vitamin A, but the government is expected to appeal against the decision
Read more »
What 'The Golden Bachelorette' Needs To Learn From 'The Golden Bachelor'The golden bachelor cast pose for promo photo
Read more »
Does The Golden Bachelor Divorce Affect The Golden Bachelorette?ABC officially ordered 'The Golden Bachelorette' two months before OG Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner filed for divorce from Theresa Nist
Read more »