Briefings

Sunday 29th November 1987

The use of genetic engineering to make plants tolerant of the damaging effects of herbicides.

Wednesday 29th July 1987

The International Board of Plant Genetic Resources is undertaking an evaluation of each gene bank which is previously designated as a "base" for plant germplasm storage. A partial report covering the first 17 banks was submitted to the board in February, 1987, exposing major security problems.

Patents on new forms of animal life proposed by U.S. government

Wednesday 29th July 1987

Ownership and control of new livestock breeds will become concentrated in hands of biotechnology companies, result in higher costs for farmers and encourage genetic uniformity in animal breeds.

Friday 29th May 1987

The  development of high-yielding cacao varieties could lead to overproduction and jeopardize prize and stability of cacao-producing countries while shifting production from small-scale producers to large-scale plantations, the use of biotechnology to convert low-priced oils into cacao butter could drastically reduce the demand and price for cacao beans.

A Report on the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, Rome Second Session, March 16-21, 1987

Wednesday 29th April 1987

The establishment of an international fund for the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, participation of governments in the UN Food and Agriculture Organizations International undertaking  to promote full exchange of genetic resources, and the establishment of an international system of gene banks under FAO auspices.

Saturday 31st January 1987

Issue: The use of biotechnology to produce the intensely sweet thaumatin protein.

Plant: Thaumatin is derived from a fruit of a West-African rain forest shrub.

Countries affected: Product will be marketed as a low-calorie sweetener in Europe, Japan, USA

Impact: In combination with other newly developed sweeteners, these products offer the potential to erode traditional sugar markets

Thursday 29th January 1987

Issue: Natural vanilla production via tissue culture technology.

Crop: Vanilla planifolia - the commercially important species of Vanilla orchis

Countries affected: Madagascar, Comoros islands, Reunion, Indonesia

Impact: possible loss of $67 million in annual export earnings. 

Friday 31st October 1986

Product: Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) or Bovine Somatotropin (BST)

Purpose: Designed to dramatically increase milk production in dairy cattle

Counties affected: USA and Europe initially

Impact: Drop in milk prices, loss of 25-30% of dairy farmers, changes in cropping patterns, narrowing of genetic base of dairy cattle

Monday 29th September 1986

Issue: Replacement of major cash crop (Gum Arabic)

Countries affected: Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan and others

Impact: Possible loss of $ 60 million in annual export earnings and seasonal employment

New starch-based substitutes for gum arabic and other water soluble gums threaten to replace a major portion of gum exports from several African countries.

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