Next-generation precision gene editing biotechnologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi are more efficient ways to engineer variants for crops, medicine, biofuel and other uses. Publications like Genetic Engineering News have hailed these innovations as “the Next Magic Bullet,” largely because they do not involve the introduction of so-called “foreign genes” — …
9 Billion Bowls report focuses on a specific link in the global chain – the production and delivery of food. It’s here where the greatest challenges – and brightest opportunities – for feeding our planet lie. Read …
“The outlook for 2016 is very grim,” said Amadou Allahoury, FAO Representative for Ethiopia, adding that “after two consecutive seasons of failed crops, the success of the main cropping season that starts now will be critical to preventing conditions from worsening. Continued drought throughout the beginning of 2016 also …
In 1950 only about a third of the world’s population lived in cities, but rapid population growth has led to increased urbanisation, which has seen this figure rise to 54% in 2014. As this trend is set to continue, by 2050 over two-thirds of the global population will live in …
For decades, the farmers of East Africa have battled the African whitefly, a tiny insect that infests the cassava crop. Cassava, also called manioc, arrowroot or tapioca, is an important food all over the world — more than half a billion people (yes, billion with a b) rely on cassava …
UNDP, in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), and with financial support from Mondelēz International Cocoa Life Programme, introduced farmers to environmentally friendly practices that can also boost cocoa production and rehabilitate degraded cocoa landscapes. Through the three-year project “Environmental Sustainability and Policy for Cocoa Production in Ghana” (ESP), …
B4FA Fellow, Michale Ssale writes, “Finally, our neighbour, Kenya, is set to lift the ban on imports of genetically modified (GM) food crops by the end of this month. The hesitation to accept GM technology in most countries is premised on the fear that it poses a danger to health …
The first field trial of genetically modified (GM) potatoes resistant to potato blight conducted in Uganda from October 2015 to January 2016 has been completed. Twelve highly resistant GM potatoes of ‘Desiree’ and one of ‘Victoria’ varieties from the International Potato Center (CIP) showed extreme levels of resistance compared to …
Talk over rice production and genetics has been dominated by Golden Rice, the bioengineered rice variety that was enhanced to produce Vitamin A. While this has the promise to cure up to 500,000 annual worldwide cases of blindness due to Vitamin A-deficient diets, it has yet to come to market. …
With the government deciding to roll out the food security law, former Food Minister and senior Congress MP K V Thomas today said encouraging Genetically Modified (GM) crops is the only way the country can feed its growing population. Read …
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