South Africa Should License Research Lab on Genetically Modified Sorghum
Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologists and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, which is currently in a row with the South African government over its plan to set up a multimillion dollar research laboratory and greenhouses to the development of genetically modified sorghum.
Prof. Wambugu has a huge grant - U.S. $ 415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the development of genetically modified crops, which have proved essential in alleviating food insecurity. Your choice of South Africa derives from the fact that it? P is the only African country with biological laws.
South Africa? S early adoption of organic laws has been the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. Now a country that is? S gained an international reputation for its policy towards biotechnology is an attempt to block an African scientists from the promotion of a biotechnology cause is appalling.
In the grounds of its decision to suspend Prof. Wambugu? Project, South Africa? S agricultural regulatory agencies have argued that the genetically modified varieties of sorghum may contaminate native to Africa. This looks like a pedestrian and argument, it is synonymous with the introduction of the wagon before the horse.
For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not yet sent GM sorghum to Africa. All she wants to do is to establish a laboratory for conducting research on the same. Everything Prof. Wambugu wants now is to build the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum research. This can not in any way with the so-called African indigenous sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu is at a certain time, perform field trials of its genetically modified sorghum. Then is the right time for the South African government to worry about? Contamination.
It should not be lost on anyone that South Africa has well established genetically modified organisms (GMO) regulations. So, it is unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be outside of these laws.
Genetically modified plants are not alien to South Africa. It is not the first time a new genetically modified crops in South Africa. The law stipulates that the introduction of genetically modified maize and cotton, which are currently commercially grown in South Africa needs to Prof. Wambugu? S genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through investment in agricultural biotechnology research, is sending a strong message to African countries that it's for finding a lasting solution to Africa? S chronic food problems. The best way to repay this generous gesture is for African governments to ensure that scientists, like Prof. Wambugu to do their work unhindered.
James uses his communication expertise to create awareness about GM food. To read more about him, go to http://www.gmoafrica.org
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