Thousands of children could die after court backs campaign group over GM crop in Philippines, scientists warn
Thousands of children could die after court backs campaign group over GM crop in Philippines, scientists warn
Scientists have warned that a court decision to block the growing of the genetically modified (GM) crop Golden Rice in the Philippines could have catastrophic consequences. Tens of thousands of children could die in the wake of the ruling, they argue.
The Philippines had become the first country – in 2021 – to approve the commercial cultivation of Golden Rice, which was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major cause of disability and death among children in many parts of the world.
But campaigns by Greenpeace and local farmers last month persuaded the country’s court of appeal to overturn that approval and to revoke this. The groups had argued that Golden Rice had not been shown to be safe and the claim was backed by the court, a decision that was hailed as “a monumental win” by Greenpeace.
Many scientists, however, say there is no evidence that Golden Rice is in any way dangerous. More to the point, they argue that it is a lifesaver.
This situation is an example of idiots on both sides. The activist could have looked at Potato production in France and Filipino Farmers could have looked at the US South prior to enriched flour. Grow Golden Rice for export and it will become a commodity crop. I know several farmers in the US that would love to grow Golden Rice and no-one outside the Philippines can get the stuff due to the genetics group that is stupidly restricting it due to grain quantity. IF the Philippines doesn't want it the rest of the world isn't that dumb. You just got the money for humanitarian reasons you lucky fucks.
This is fucking tragic. Golden rice hasn't been proven safe? It's fucking rice with a spliced gene to produce vitamin A. This is a life saver plain and simple. Monsanto is fucked for a whole host of reasons, but golden rice is not it. There has been study after study on it just to fucking prove that it's beta-carotene survived cooking.
When Greenpeace started opposing GMOs that could be patented, I was on board, but they just attack any GMO now.