28th Jul 2009
Monsanto is Developing Genetically Modified Wheat
“Development of GM Wheat Varieties to Resume”
ABC Rural, July 2009; https://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200907/s2627484.htm
US agribusiness company Monsanto says it will renew efforts to develop genetically-modified wheat, though it may take a decade.
It follows a deal between Australian, US and Canadian wheat groups, to simultaneously introduce GM varieties when they’re viable.
Monsanto will develop wheat that can tolerate drought and use less fertiliser, but GM wheat must also tolerate consumer resistance, which the company faced when it suspended work on new varieties several years ago.
Spokesman Lee Quarles says there’s time to work on that: “We do not anticipate that a biotech product’s going to emerge from our pipeline for at least, eight to 10 years.”
Quarles says Monsanto will work with wheat producers to successfully introduce GM wheat varieties, and with importing countries to win regulatory approvals.
———
Eight to ten years to voice your disapproval……..
Keep in mind that organic certification prohibits genetically modified (GM) ingredients in your and your pet’s food. BUT, even this can’t guarantee that the environment isn’t impacted negatively or that the non-genetically engineered wheat isn’t accidentally or maybe intentionally compromised (i.e., cross-pollinated) by GM crops. Rumors and facts abound.
Crops that are drought-resistant and use less fertilizer sound good, but unfortunately, as another blog entry on this site indicates, independent research for these agrictech companies’ claims isn’t (i.e., can’t be) available.
