A coalition of farmers, consumer associations and environmental groups is urging Malaysia’s National Biosafety Board to reject a proposed field trial of genetically modified rice. They warn the project could pose risks to food safety, the environment and farmers. The application for the trial by Zen Cropscience involves a genetically modified rice variety tolerant to the glyphosate herbicide and resistant to diseases. The coalition of 61 organizations submitted a formal objection last week. They fear contamination of conventional rice crops and the development of glyphosate-resistant “super weeds” that would increase the use of herbicide. The National Biosafety Board says the trial is contained, but the coalition insists genetically modified organisms cannot be fully controlled.
Important
Malaysian farmers, environmental groups call for rejection of GMO rice trial
A coalition of farmers, consumer associations and environmental groups is urging Malaysia’s National Biosafety Board to reject a proposed field trial of genetically modified rice. They warn the project could pose risks to food safety, the environment and farmers. The application for the trial by Zen Cropscience involves a genetically modified rice variety tolerant to […]
