abc Newsletter

GM Observer -  March 2010

The latest GMObserver outlines the latest news on GM crops in the UK and Europe. Key highlights in this edition include the recent approval of a GM potato for cultivation in Europe, the first such approval for 12 years and coverage of the Royal Society's recent report The Scientific Century: securing our future prosperity. Further, the recent publication of 2009 GM crop planting figures show that 14 million farmers in 25 countries are using the technology.

The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer -  December 2009

In December, GMObserver looked a the recent RoyalSociety report on the need for a sustainable intensification of global agriculture. The report called for a "new revolution in agriculture" that brings together traditional techniques such as crop rotation with the latest advancements in science. Meanwhile, at the Copenhagen Summit on climate change in december, global food security and the need to adapt to a changing climate were key issues for discussion. The GMObserver also contains profiles of new EU Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Cilios and Health Commissioner, John Dalli.

The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer -  July 2009

In July, GMObserver looked a the latest annual study to be conducted by PG Economics on the economic and social benefits of GM crops. The report shows that biotech crops have contributed to significantly reducing the release of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices. This results from less fuel use and additional soil carbon storage from reduced tillage with biotech crops. Meanwhile, in June, a committee of MPs representing the three main political parties voted to support the cultivation of two new GM maize crops due to be discussed by the European Council of Ministers.

The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer -  March 2009

The March issue of GMObserver covers the latest set of global planting figures for GM crops. In 2008, GM crops were grown in 25 countries over 13 million farmers. Looking into consumer attitudes to food, the Food Standards Agency's latest tracker survey shows comsumer concern about GM is at its lowest levels ever. Further, Environment Secretary, Hillary Benn MP, has highlighted the importance of science to tackle the environmental challenges we face. The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer -  November

In November GMObserver looks at the latest innovations from the John Innes Centre where they have modified a tomato to contain increased levels of cancer fighting antioxidants. We also report on the publication of Why Science Matters published by the NFU, whioch looks at the important rol of science and innovation to farming. The campaign wants to see agriculture and horticulture recognised as high-tech industries that need science and research to allow them to deliver huge range of goods and services that society demands. The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer - October 2008

The latest GMObserver focusses on the incredible uptake of GM crops over the past ten years. The total area cultivated with biotech crops in the EU in 2008 was 107 719 hectares in seven countries, a 21% increase over 2007 (not including France). Following unfounded claims by Prince Charles that GM crops could cause an environmental disaster, political figures and scientists have spoken out in support of science. The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer - August 2008

The August GMObserver  looks at the latest GM crops in development that will have positive impact in the developing world. The Bio-Cassava Plus project, sponsered by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has developed a highly nutritious strain of cassava sufficient to provide most of a day's nutrients in a single meal. The newsletter also provides coverage of the recent International Development Select Comittee inquiry into the World Food Programme in which a Government Minister acknowledged that GM crops have a role to play in securing food security globally. The GMObserver can be found here

GM Observer - June 2008

In June, GMObserver reported on the Positive comments made by Environment Minister Phil Woolas MP who has called for a renewed debate on the subject of GM crops in light of the global food crisis. Further GMObserver reports that on the 22nd May the European Parliament adopted a resolution acknowledging the important role agricultural biotechnology can play in securing food on a global level. To read the full news letter click here

GM Observer - May 2008

The May installment of the GMObserver focussed on increased awareness of the food security challenges we face among senior political figures. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has held a Food Summit with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme in response to soaring commodity prices and a need to address the challenges of climate change and an increasign population. Further, this months report picks up on the establishment of an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture. To read the full news letter click here

 GM Observer - February 2008

The February installment of the quarterly GM Observer reported on the new ISAAA figures which showed that demand for GM crops continues to rise as 12 million farmers plant worldwide. abc believe that these figures recognise that GM crops are now firmly established in Europe and that GM crops are one of a range of tools that have the potential to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise the environmental footprint of agriculture and increase productivity. To read the full newsletter click here.

GM Observer - November 2007

In November the GM Observer was a special edition on biofuels and their role in delivering sustainable agriculture. abc believes that UK farmers should benefit from the opportunities arising from a growing demand for biofuel crops grown, balancing sustainable food security with sustainable fuel security, whilst providing a diverse countryside. To read the full newsletter click here.

In September the GM Observer reported that the European Commission has concluded that if the situation for GMO approvals is not improved imports of essential GM derived feed and food products may slow down considerably or come to a halt. The report highlights how the EU's zero tolerance policy on the presence of unapproved GMOs in feed imports could have a detrimental impact on food security and prices. It currently takes a lot longer to authorise in the EU compared with other producing/exporting countries - it takes a minimum of 2.5 years and often much longer to complete new biotech trait authorisations in the EU, compared to an average of 15 months in the US. To read the full newsletter click here.

Issue 2 of the GM Observer highlighted a recent study published by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre which evaluated the economic benefits of a number of GM crops across the world both before and after approval. The report noted that the adoption of GM technologies throughout the world had increased at a rapid rate in the ten years since commercialisation, and that a number of on-farm and off-farm benefits were observable. These included reduced production costs (including reduced machinery use and carbon emissions), simplified crop management systems, and increased yields. For example, studies in China, India, Argentina and South Africa have reported yields from Bt cotton crops that are anything between 10 per cent and 87 per cent higher than conventional cotton. Savings in weed management costs were also observed. To read the full newsletter click here.

2006 was yet another successful year for GM around the world, with greater numbers of farmers in morecountries making GM a commercial reality. In addition, in the UK, Defra's approval of the first GM trial since 2003,represents a major development in research taking place in the UK. This first 2007 edition of the GM Observer looked at some of the many highlights in the UK from 2006. To read the full newsletter click here.