Agnet Dec. 17/03
US consumers
will not shun biotech wheat – Kraft
Brazil
publishes 2003/04 GM soy decree
Mandatory GE
food labels would raise prices
GM-free zone
tough to deliver: MacAdam
Genetic
science offers something to sing about on stage: Unconventional musical cooks up
weird new foods
Zero-tilling
study gets grant
"Ivory
Crisp" potato makes tasty chips
First of its
kind in Ontario Forestry - Westwind Forest Stewardship tests innovative
biological vegetation treatment developed in Canada
Cis-Isomer
of 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-Triaza-1-Azoniaadamantane Chloride; notice of filing
a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for a certain pesticide chemical
in or on food
Pesticide
product; Registration applications
Request for
public comment on the united states standards for sorghum
how to subscribe
US
consumers will not shun biotech wheat – Kraft
December 17, 2003
Reuters
Randy Fabi
WASHINGTON - Ron Triani, senior director of scientific relations for Kraft North
America was cited as saying at a biotech policy forum that U.S. consumers will
most likely accept genetically engineered wheat in their bread, breakfast cereal
and pasta as biotech crops are already widely used in many food products,
adding, "My personal guess is that (biotech wheat) probably won't have a
significant impact on consumers based on how they react to corn and
soybeans."
Gregory Jaffe, biotech director for the Center for Science in the Public
Interest, was quoted as saying, "I think consumers are going to look at
(biotech) wheat differently.”
Jerry Steiner, Monsanto's vice president, was cited as saying that even if
Monsanto wins approval, company officials have insisted it would not market
biotech wheat until growers and consumers were comfortable with it, adding,
"We are going to introduce this product when the market is ready."
Kraft said it will take a "hard look" at the safety of biotech wheat
and its acceptance among consumers before allowing the crops into its products.
Most panel members agreed that biotech crops should be required to receive food
safety approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, the FDA review
is voluntary.
Brazil
publishes 2003/04 GM soy decree
December 17, 2003
Reuters
SAO PAULO - A provisional decree was published in the Official Journal on
Tuesday after being signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, allowing
farmers to plant genetically modified soybeans for the 2003/04 (Oct/Sept)
harvest but only by farmers who hold GM seeds.
The story says that the sale of GM seeds remains illegal in Brazil but farmers
have obtained supplies smuggled in from neighboring countries.
The decree, which only covers the upcoming soy harvest, is intended as a
stop-gap measure until a definitive law to regulate GM crops is approved by
Congress.
Mandatory
GE food labels would raise prices
December 10, 2003
The Sault Star
A4
Brenda Cassidy of Food Safety Network at the University of Guelph writes that
the Dec. 5 editorial Label our food, is absolutely right that public opinion
polls in Canada consistently show strong support for labeling genetically
engineered (GE) foods. The real question, however, is what such labeling would
be likely to accomplish, and at what cost.
The GE foods and food ingredients currently on the market - mostly derived from
soybean, corn and canola crops - are nutritionally and compositionally
equivalent to their counterparts produced through traditional plant breeding
methods.
They have the same fat, cholesterol and carbohydrate content. They look, taste
and cook exactly the same way.
Even the most sophisticated testing methods cannot differentiate highly refined
products such as oils and sugars produced from GE crops from those from
conventionally produced crops.
For all intents and purposes, they are not different.
Before they were approved for use or sale in Canada, these foods were subjected
to extensive testing to ensure their safety for human and animal consumption and
for the environment. They were approved as safe by regulatory officials from
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
From a health and safety perspective, there is no reason to label foods based on
their production method. Granted, there are those who prefer to choose food
based on how it is produced: organic foods are a primary example.
Despite a dearth of reliable evidence to indicate any advantages in terms of
nutrition, quality or taste, a growing number of people choose to pay premiums
for organic foods because of their support for the process by which such foods
are produced.
But such labeling is both complex and expensive, as it requires segregation and
traceability all along the food chain, from a farmer's field to a grocer's shelf
and every step in between.
Documentation must be prepared and available to verify the labeling claims and
prove the product's purity.
That's one of the reasons that organic foods cost more. So long as the added
costs are borne by those to whom the information is useful, the system makes
sense.
But mandatory labeling for all GE foods would add significant costs for all
consumers, while providing nothing in terms of added value for the overwhelming
majority of Canadians who have confidence in the food safety regulatory system
that ensures the safety of all new foods approved for use.
Voluntary labeling based on clear standards can provide information to consumers
who wish to choose foods based on how they are produced without imposing
additional burden on the populace as a whole.
A standard for labeling GE foods has recently been approved by a broad
stakeholder group working in conjunction with the Canadian General Standards
Board.
Worthy of note is that the Consumers' Association of Canada was instrumental in
the development of the new standard, actively participating to ensure that it
would meet consumers' information needs.
GM-free
zone tough to deliver: MacAdam
December 17, 2003
The Guardian (Charlottetown)
A2
Agriculture Minister Kevin MacAdam was cited as saying Tuesday that a suggestion
by Premier Pat Binns to ban genetically modified (GMO) seeds and crops may be
difficult to deliver in response to a question by Ron MacKinley, Liberal MLA in
North River-Rice Point, who said Binns could be putting 30 per cent of the
Island's soybean crop under if he eliminates GMO products on the Island.
Genetic
science offers something to sing about on stage: Unconventional musical cooks up
weird new foods
December 17, 2003
The Ottawa Citizen
B3
Catherine Lawson
An original musical play about the perils of genetic modification, Plenty
Unlimited, written by Michael Larrass with music composed by Timothy Piper, is,
according to this story, a fantastical, quirky tale of a world where all things
are scientifically possible. There are lavender potatoes that taste good and
soften your hair. Hungry? Dine on a fishikin -- a creature that looks like a
fish, but tastes like a chicken. Desire animal companionship? Adopt a de-Cat, a
kitten that does not claw, meow or shed.
The story says that with a first-time playwright, a cast of 22, a small
orchestra and a big financial investment, all the principals involved know this
is a risky venture.
The story goes on to say that playwright Larrass supplied all the lyrics,
including these lines from Professor Bricolard, the mastermind behind the
genetically modified creatures of Plenty Unlimited: "Forgetting is the
nature of my business, I sever everything inside and out. If I did remember, I
could not dismember, And that is what my business is about."
Larrass was cited as saying he has strong reservations about genetically
modified food, in part because he believes the original species may be lost. He
was inspired to write Plenty Unlimited through his volunteer work with Food
Action Ottawa. After writing a piece of street theatre for Food Action, he
decided that raising awareness could be done more effectively with "an
element of playfulness."
Zero-tilling
study gets grant
December 17, 2003
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)
D1 / Front
Murray Lyons
Mike Grevers, a University of Saskatchewan soil scientist, is, according to this
story, studying whether farmers who engage in no-till conservation practices
lose any environmental benefits if they occasionally run a cultivator through
their fields.
The story says that the project is funded to the tune of $100,000.
Grevers was cited as saying that rather than undo the benefits of carbon
sequestration, cultivation may be beneficial, adding, "The no-till carbon
is on the very surface where it's vulnerable. When you till that, you're going
to bury that where it's much less vulnerable. So it may actually have a very
positive effect on carbon sequestration by burying this organic matter and
making it more difficult to decompose and go to carbon dioxide."
The Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association (SSCA) has advocated that farmers
who practice zero-till methods of cropping -- where weeds are controlled through
herbicides rather than through cultivation -- should get benefits for doing this
under the Kyoto accord.
"Ivory
Crisp" potato makes tasty chips
December 17, 2003
ARS News Service
Agricultural Research Service, USDA
Your favorite potato chips might be made from "Ivory Crisp," an
excellent potato from university scientists and their Agricultural Research
Service colleagues. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific
research agency.
Ivory Crisp's compact, round shape makes it perfect for slicing into delicious
chips. When fried, as part of the chip-making process, Ivory Crisp chips brown
evenly to a light-golden color. The secret? Ivory Crisp has a good balance of
starch to sugar. This favorable ratio helps prevent the unattractive dark spots
and burnt flavor that can occur when frying potatoes with a higher amount of
sugar.
What's more, Ivory Crisp keeps its desirable ratio of starch to sugar even
during cold storage. Most "chipping" potatoes spend at least some time
in cold storage before they're needed for processing into chips. Cool
temperatures help inhibit rot and other diseases, and thwart unwanted sprouting.
But those temperatures also have the undesirable effect of enhancing the natural
conversion of starch to sugar. That means, before they're made into chips, some
potatoes have to be reconditioned, to reduce the amount of accumulated sugar.
But Ivory Crisp needs little or no reconditioning. This feature cuts costs and
helps keep a more even supply of chipping potatoes ready for use. Ivory Crisp
originated from a seedling produced in North Dakota's potato breeding program.
In Oregon, it was selected for further study in that state and for tests in
Idaho, Oregon and Washington as well. Last year, scientists determined that
Ivory Crisp was ready to offer to growers.
Plant geneticist Richard G. Novy of the ARS Small Grains and Potato Research
Unit, Aberdeen, Idaho, and the other co-developers of Ivory Crisp reported their
work earlier this year in the American Journal of Potato Research.
First
of its kind in Ontario Forestry - Westwind Forest Stewardship tests innovative
biological vegetation treatment developed in Canada
December 17, 2003
From a press release
PARRY SOUND - Westwind Forest Stewardship, Inc. announced today it has tested a
novel biological silvicultural technology for hardwood vegetation control in
crown and private forest and. Westwind thus becomes first in the Ontario
forestry industry to use this low-risk alternative to chemical pesticides,
further promoting sustainable development of forests in Canada.
The project involved the use of Myco-Tech(TM) Paste to release a white pine
forest stand from deciduous broadleaf competition, planting white pine seedlings
to complement natural regeneration, and preparing the stand for future selective
harvests. When applied to cut wood surfaces of undesirable species, Myco-Tech(TM)
inhibits sprouting and regrowth and supports young trees, thus allowing them to
grow.
"By testing Myco-Tech(TM) Paste, the first biological hardwood vegetation
control product in the world, developed and registered by Myco-Forestis
Corporation, a Quebec biotechnology company, Westwind Forest Stewardship
confirms its determination to maintain a leadership position in forest
management in Canada," said Steve Munro, General Manager of Westwind Forest
Stewardship Inc.
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, Westwind manages 1.7 million acres of
public or crown forestland in the Georgian Bay to Algonquin Park regions.
"The implementation of this new biological silvicultural tool marks a
milestone for Westwind Forest Stewardship and follows Westwind's receipt last
year of a prestigous award from the International Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)."
Munro noted. Based in Bonn, Germany, the FSC honoured Westwind Forest for
meeting internationally recognized standards for sound forest management.
Developed over many years of research and development, the Myco-Tech(TM)
technology is a biological control method based on Chondrostereum purpureum, a
naturally occurring fungal organism readily found in the temperate deciduous
forest. Unmodified cultures of the fungal mycelium are incorporated into a
biodegradable gel formulation that protects and nourishes the fungus. When
applied to freshly cut stems or stumps, the natural wood decay process is
triggered, thus inhibiting sprouting and regrowth. Consequently, the efficiency
of mechanical cutting of undesirable brush is increased by 70% to 100%,
depending on the species treated. Human health and environmental safety testing,
and over 10 years of field efficacy trials, support the use of Myco-Tech(TM)
Paste as a reduced-risk product that does not pose a health or environmental
risk when used according to label instructions. The product was registered in
2002 by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency. The technique meets
sustainable forestry management guidelines, as well as the objectives of
government and environmentalists concerned with the use of chemical pesticides.
Presently available only in Canada, the "Myco-Tech(TM) technology credits
not only Westwind Forest and Myco-Forestis as international leaders, but also
the Canadian forest industry in general. "We are convinced that this novel
biological tool for forestry vegetation management will help government
authorities maintain a sustained yield of forestry products while respecting the
environment, biodiversity and sustainable development," said Norbert Major,
President and CEO of Myco-Forestis. "Since 1998, several industrial
forestry companies, such as Bowater and Tembec, as well as public utilities such
as Vermont's Green Mountain Power, have experimented with Myco-Tech(TM).Today we
are very proud to note that an industry leader such as Westwind Forest
Stewardship sees value and potential in our technology," Major added .
"As part of a sustainable development of forestry resources , Myco-
Tech(TM) technology offers a unique ecological solution for vegetation
management. We are proud to be able to contribute to the worldwide trend towards
responsible resources management. The biotechnology is consistent with the
objective of reducing the use of the chemical pesticides in forests and
increasing sustainable yield", said Major. "There is currently no
other biological alternative that allows foresters to maintain their future
yield capacity by ensuring sustained productivity of forestry plantations and
natural regeneration with mechanical release alone. This new biotechnology will
hopefully enable Canada to become a world leader in biological vegetation
management," he added.
Cis-Isomer
of 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-Triaza-1-Azoniaadamantane Chloride; notice of filing
a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for a certain pesticide chemical
in or on food
December 17, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 242)]
[Page 70251-70255]
[DOCID:fr17de03-68]
[OPP-2003-0352; FRL-7336-4]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide
petition proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a
certain pesticide chemical in or on various food commodities.
DATES: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP-
2003-0352, must be received on or before January 16, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or
through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Parker, Registration Division (7505C),
Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-0371; e-mail
address: parker.james@epa.gov.
Pesticide
product; Registration applications
December 17, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 242)]
[Page 70248-70250]
[DOCID:fr17de03-67]
[OPP-2003-0393; FRL-7338-1]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of applications to register
pesticide products containing new active ingredients not included in
any previously registered products pursuant to the provisions of
section 3(c)(4) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA), as amended.
DATES: Written comments, identified by the docket ID number OPP-2003-
0393, must be received on or before January 16, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or
through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Request
for public comment on the united states standards for sorghum
December 17, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 242)]
[Page 70201]
[DOCID:fr17de03-22]
7 CFR Part 810
AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
(GIPSA) is initiating a review of the United States Standards for
Sorghum. GIPSA invites comments and suggested changes to these
standards.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 17, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Written comments must be submitted to Tess Butler at GIPSA,
USDA, STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-
3604; faxed to (202) 690-2755; or e-mailed to comments.gipsa@usda.gov.
Please indicate your comment refers to United States Standards for
Sorghum.
All comments received are available for public inspection at Room
1652, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC,
during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27 (b)).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marianne Plaus, telephone (202) 690-3460 at
GIPSA, USDA, Room 2409 North/South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-3630; Fax Number (202) 720-1015.
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Monsanto Canada, Meat and Livestock Australia, National Pork Board, Pew
Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, Syngenta Seeds, Inc., Council for
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