GM pioneer defends golden rice

18 April 2001



GM pioneer defends golden rice

By FWi staff

A LEADING figure in the development of genetically modified golden rice defends the technology in The Guardian.

Ingo Potrykus claims the rice variety which is packed with vitamin A will meet an urgent dietary deficiency and poses no risk to the environment.

He insists there is not pressure for commercial return as biotech company Zeneca (now Syngenta) has given free licences for humanitarian use.

Opponents say a more effective strategy would be to concentrate on creating more sustainable methods of farming in the worlds poorest regions.

Campaigners, farmers and field experts will debate these issues at a conference in Norwich on Wednesday (18 April)

• GM rice deal for Third World, FWi, 16 May, 2000
• GM debate crudely polarised, FWi, 5 May, 2000
  
• The Guardian 18 April, 2001, Society page 8