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GOVERNING THE GM CROP REVOLUTION: POLICY CHOICES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
By Robert L. Paarlberg -- Dec. 2000
     A comparison of policy responses to genetically modified (GM) crops in developing countries. He examines the policy decisions made in four developing countries--Brazil, China, India, and Kenya--and devises a system for classifying policy choices toward GM crops in the areas of intellectual property rights, food safety, biosafety, trade, and public research investment. 

Two Page Brief of above document.

CONSIDERING THE STATE OF GMOs    
A 58-page report published in early 2001, TRANSGENIC CROPS: AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, provides a thoughtful review covering biosafety, the business of biotechnology, and possible environmental effects. The softbound work (policy studies report no. 15) by  D.E. Ervin, _et al_, also discusses other aspects of the topic and concludes with a call for strengthened public research and regulation.  * Wallace Ctr. for Agric. and Environ. Policy--Winrock International, 38 Winrock Dr.,

Panel Says StarLink May Have Triggered Allergies
December 5, 2000
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An independent panel of U.S. scientists told the government Tuesday that a variety of biotech corn not approved for human food may have triggered allergic reactions in 7 to 14 Americans.

U.S. panel weighs whether GM corn StarLink is safe for people
November 29, 2000
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Federal regulators, now in the midst of the biggest biotech food fight in U.S. history, should not reward Aventis SA for illegally contaminating the nation's corn supply with a variety that may be linked to at least 35 illnesses, environmental groups said on Tuesday.

Monsanto to restrict biotech corn sales for 2001; EPA holds StarLink hearing
November 28, 2000
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A major biotechnology company says it will restrict sales next year of a type of gene-altered corn and delay commercialization of another variety until 2002 to avoid further disruptions in U.S. grain exports.

Cry9C protein found in Garst Corn Hybrid without StarLink label.
21/11/2000
Aventis CropScience said today that it has confirmed the presence of Cry9C protein in test samples of a variety of corn seed that was not sold under the StarLink trademark.

EPA unconvinced on StarLink bio-corn safety 
November 14, 2000
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -New scientific data submitted by the maker of StarLink corn does not dispel government scientists' concerns that the gene-altered crop may cause allergic reactions in humans, the Environmental Protection Agency said on Monday.
...
The EPA, which is under pressure from anti-biotech activists as well as the food industry, emphasized that no decisions would be made until the scientific advisory panel has considered the issue at a public hearing set for Nov. 28.
...
Along with its 26-page preliminary assessment, the EPA published a list of questions about the safety of StarLink that it wants a panel of independent scientists to consider before giving their recommendation to the agency on Dec. 1.

Deadline Extended
The October 20, 2000 deadline set for farmers to decide to participate in the StarLink Enhanced Stewardship Program (SES) has been extended, as has the May 1, 2001 deadline for on-farm
feeding within the SES Program.

Aventis announces recall of grain. Aventis, the maker of Starlink (sold through Garst Seeds), has agreed to a government request to formally withdraw Starlink from the US market. The company had previously issued a "stop sale" order; but now it's official, Starlink cannot be planted for any agricultural purpose. In addition: Working with the USDA, Aventis will purchase from growers all StarLink corn which is not intended for feed use on the farm. These growers, as well as those who do use it for animal feed on their farm, will be paid a $.25 per bushel premium above the posted price for corn. This premium applies to StarLink corn and corn grown within a 660-foot buffer.

Additional scientific evidence on the food safety of StarLink corn submitted to the EPA in a request for a time-limited clearance for the small amount of StarLink corn that may enter the food chain.
http://www.us.cropscience.aventis.com/AventisUS/CropScience/stage/html/ourstatementworld.htm 

Aventis has posted nationwide year 2000 planting estimates by county on its website. Visit the estimates online at http://www.us.cropscience.aventis.com/AventisUS/CropScience/stage/html/Starlinkgrower.htm. 

Avidin: An Egg-Citing Insecticidal Protein in Corn  Among the newest crop of "smarter" plants are genetically modified corn plants containing a protein found in egg whites. Agricultural Research Service chemist Karl J. Kramer and colleagues at the Grain Marketing and Production Research Center in Manhattan, Kansas, have shown that the protein, called avidin, is a powerful growth inhibitor of insects.

Here We Go Again: Bt Corn and Monarch Butterflies
The Pest Management and Crop Development Bulletin, Executive Editor: Kevin Steffey, Extension Entomologist, University of Illinois

Field deposition of Bt transgenic corn pollen: lethal effects on the monarch butterfly
Laura C. Hansen Jesse and John J. Obrycki
Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Link to article in Oecologia, August 19, 2000.

Time Extension for B.t. Corn and B.t. Cotton Plantings -- Federal Register: August 9, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 154) EPA announces plans to extend the registrations of Bt corn and Bt cotton through next year's growing season.  In turn, this decision permits more time for on-going data review and scientific assessment before the Agency reaches a more permanent decision on the future of corn borer-active, Bt corn hybrids.

Biotech crops: A producer's perspective
By Mark W. Jenner, Ph.D., Economist and Policy Specialist, American Farm Bureau Federation

Grains Of Hope Genetically engineered crops could revolutionize farming. Protesters fear they could also destroy the ecosystem. You decide BY J. MADELEINE NASH/ZURICH  JULY 31, 2000 VOL. 156 NO.5 TIME.COM COVERAGE

"Transgenic Plants and World Agriculture," the 46-page white paper by the Royal Society of London, the US National Academy of Sciences, the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Indian National Science Academy, the Mexican Academy of Sciences and the Third World Academy of Sciences can be found at: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9889.html and at: http://books.nap.edu/html/transgenic/

A National Academy of Sciences news release said that: the white paper spells out the promise of agricultural biotechnology to alleviate hunger and poverty in the Third World. The paper urges governments to base their decisions regarding biotechnology on sound science, and strongly encourages private corporations and research institutions to share their technology with scientists and farmers in developing countries who desperately need it. "It is essential that we improve food production and distribution in order to feed and free from hunger a growing world population, while reducing environmental impacts and providing productive employment in low-income areas," the paper says.

NY TIMES WEB SITE ON GE FOOD
The New York Times has established a Web site in which articles on genetic engineering food are posted at http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/health/gm -index.html. Recent articles, from both the pro and anti-biotechnology camps, cover a wide range of topics, including the political, industrial, scientific, and
public opinion issues surrounding the GM food debate. The site also maintains a list of related links and a few articles that include diagrams depicting the mechanics of altering plants. Visitors may review the information posted and opt to participate in the on-going discussion forum on genetically engineered foods at
http://forums.nytimes.com/webin/WebX?13@@.f0a8abb

Bt Corn Pollen Does Not Harm Black Swallowtail Butterflies
June 7, 2000

A recent study from scientists at the University of Illinois suggests that non-target effects of genetically-engineered Bt corn may be less severe than previously reported. Bt corn has been modified to contain an insecticidal protein, called Cry1Ab endotoxin, which kills the European corn borer, a damaging pest of corn. The Cry1Ab protein is present in the pollen of Bt corn, and because pollen is carried by wind, there is a risk that it could injure or kill non-target organisms, such as certain species of butterfly, that feed in close proximity to corn fields. 
[Published online  http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/130202097v1 ]

FDA TO STRENGTHEN PRE-MARKET REVIEW OF BIOENGINEERED FOODS 
May 3, 2000

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today plans to refine its regulatory approach regarding foods derived through the use of modern biotechnology. The initiatives unveiled stem in part from input received during FDA's public outreach meetings held late last year and build upon programs already underway at FDA to help ensure the safety of all foods.

CLINTON ADMINISTRATION AGENCIES ANNOUNCE FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES: STRENGTHENING SCIENCE-BASED REGULATION AND CONSUMER ACCESS TO INFORMATION 
May 3, 2000

Agricultural biotechnology holds enormous promise for improving the productivity and environmental sustainability of food and fiber production. In order to secure that bright future, the Clinton Administration is taking steps today to further our long-standing goal of sound science regulation and improved access to information. These steps are intended to build consumer confidence, ensure that regulations keep pace with the latest scientific and market developments and provide that voluntary product claims, such as labels, relating to biotechnology are truthful and not misleading.

"What's Up in Biotechnology." 

Dr. Peggy G. Lemaux, Cooperative Extension Specialist for the University of California at Berkeley (slide/talk show: See http://plantbio.berkeley.edu/~outreach/WHATIS.HTM#3) : "We expect the products of genetic engineering to have a major impact in agriculture. Some of these modifications result from the modification of genes already present in the plant, such as the increased production of natural plant protection compounds, or the removal of certain genes, such as those leading to longer-shelf-life fruits and vegetables. Others require the importation of genes from other sources, such as those for insect protection and certain types of fungal protection... The products of genetic engineering will not be magic bullets that will solve all of our agricultural problems, but they will be powerful tools that can be used in concert with other modern and classical agricultural methods to meet the challenges of agriculture in the 21st century."

Scientists Achieve Major Breakthrough In Rice; Data To Be Shared With Worldwide Research Community
ST. LOUIS, April 4, 2000 

Monsanto today announced a major scientific breakthrough in decoding the genetic make-up of rice, and that it will share its data with researchers around the world. This will enable the world's scientific community to greatly accelerate the development of more nutritious and higher yielding rice. It is also expected to lead to similar developments in other major crops such as corn and wheat. 

Report of National Academies' National Research Council Committee on Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants 
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2000

Even given the strengths of the U.S. system governing transgenic plants, regulatory agencies should do a better job of coordinating their work and expanding public access to the process as the volume and mix of these types of plants on the market increase, says a new report from the National Academies' National Research Council. The committee that wrote the report emphasized it was not aware of any evidence suggesting foods on the market today are unsafe to eat as a result of genetic modification. And it said that no strict distinction exists between the health and environmental risks posed by plants genetically engineered through modern molecular techniques and those modified by conventional breeding practices.

Segregation of Kansas GMO Crops Unlikely to Be Issue in 2000
MANHATTAN, Kan.- February 24, 2000

With soybean and corn planting just weeks away, Kansas farmers may be wondering if the industry will have to segregate the crops grown from genetically-modified seed from non-modified varieties. A Kansas State University scientist says that at this point, the answer appears to be no. Tim Herrman, Extension state leader in the Department of Grain Science and Industry, surveyed grain handlers and soybean crushers around the state.

EPA announces Receipt of Application for Experimental Use Permit for Plant-Pesticide Insect-Protected Soybean 

SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of application 524-EUP-OR from Monsanto Company, 700 Chesterfield Parkway North, St. Louis, Missouri 63198, requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for the Cry1Ac protein and the genetic material necessary for its production (Vector PV-GMBT01) in soybean. The Agency has determined that this application may be of regional and national significance. Therefore, in accordance with 40 CFR 172.11(a), the Agency is soliciting comments on this application.

The subject program proposes to test and evaluate genetically modified soybean that has been developed to provide control of velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis), stem borer (Epinotia aporema), and soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens). Monsanto Company proposes to plant 66.5 acres of the plant-pesticide in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee on March 1, 2000. All plantings of soybean containing the Cry1Ac protein under this experimental program will be contained during the experimental program. No portion of the crop will be used for food or feed.

Butterflies and Bt Corn Pollen:  Lab Research & Field Realities" 
A report sponsored by Monsanto on the relationship of Bt corn pollen and the Monarch Butterfly.> 

New study shows biotechnology not harmful to Monarch butterfly 
January 4, 2000 University of Guelph

The Monarch butterfly is alive and well, despite exaggerated and misleading reports that it is threatened by biotechnology, new research by a University of Guelph professor reveals.

Are Bioengineered Foods Safe? FDA Consumer magazine January-February 2000 by Larry Thompson

Since 1994, a growing number of foods developed using the tools of the science of biotechnology have come onto both the domestic and international markets. With these products has come controversy, primarily in Europe where some question whether these foods are as safe as foods that have been developed using the more conventional approach of hybridization.

Countries Reach Landmark GMO Food Agreement

MONTREAL (Reuters) 1/29/2000- More than 130 countries reached a landmark agreement early Saturday to regulate trade in genetically modified organizms, a major part of the world's food supply that has raised environmental and health concerns and strained international trade relations.

The agreement, which still must be ratified by 50 countries before it goes into effect, establishes an international framework for countries to use when making decisions about genetically modified crops.

It also requires, for the first time under an international agreement, labeling of commodity shipments that ``may contain'' genetically modified foods. But there is no specific requirement that farmers or the grain
industry segregate conventional and modified crops, which the U.S. government said could cost billions of dollars.

GLICKMAN NAMES ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2000-- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today named 38 members to a newly-formed USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology. The Committee will advise the Secretary on policy related to the creation, application, marketability, trade and use of agricultural biotechnology.

The Committee's appointed members include: Roger C. Pine -- Farmer and President, National Corn Growers Association, Lawrence, Kansas

Facing the Music on GMO's
1-17-2000 – Tom Bechman, Indiana Prairie Farmer, a Farm Progress publication

Today is the time to start telling your neighbor and whoever will listen the straight story about biotech crops. Yesterday would have been better, but today will have to do. Waiting until tomorrow will be too late. [Note: this is a link to an opinion piece from Indiana Prairie Farmer]

EPA Offers New Bt Corn Refuge Plan
1-16-2000 – Edited by Willie Vogt, Technology Editor, Farm Progress

Concern that the Bacillus thuringiensis gene inserted in corn to control the European Corn Borer might result in super bugs invulnerable to the biotech pesticide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued guidelines for the 2000 crop year.

US consumers favor GM crops to curb pesticides - survey
January 11, 2000
Reuters – Houston

Nearly three-fourths of American consumers would support genetically modified crops if the technology means farmers can reduce pesticide use, according to a survey released Tuesday by the American Farm Bureau.

To GMO, or Not to GMO
1-07-2000 – Edited by Willie Vogt, Technology Editor, Farm Progress

Despite all the negative publicity surrounding genetically modified crops, many farmers seem ready to keep on planting the super seeds in the year
2000.

News is Out, Monsanto Using Ecogen Bt
1-06-2000 – Edited by Willie Vogt, Technology Editor, Farm Progress

Even in the wake of consumer groups calling for labeling of biotech products, the research contines. Perhaps no innovation is more awaited by corn farmers than a biotech way to control corn rootworms. Yesterday, a little more information was revealed about what Monsanto's up to in this area.

Responding to investor inquiries, Ecogen Inc. confirmed that the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin gene, Cry3Bb, utilized by the Monsanto Company as the active ingredient in its corn rootworm-resistant corn lines, is a product of Ecogen's research collaboration with Monsanto.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE NEWS FOR 1999