Organizations, academia salute World Food Prize for biotechnology focus
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2013 – As opponents take pot shots at the
highly-respected World Food Prize for recognizing scientists who have helped
feed millions around the globe through advancements in biotechnology, a large
group of farm, food and academic organizations is fighting back.
One hundred organizations signed a letter today, commending Kenneth Quinn,
President of the World Food Prize Foundation on his organization’s theme for
this year’s prize, “The Next Borlaug Century: Biotechnology, Sustainability and
Climate Variability” and for recognizing three pioneers of modern agricultural
biotechnology: Marc Van Montagu, Mary-Dell Chilton and Robert Fraley.
“They will share the 2013 World Food Prize for their independent,
individual breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying
modern agricultural biotechnology,” notes the WFP. “Their research is making it
possible for farmers to grow crops with: improved yields; resistance to insects
and disease; and the ability to tolerate extreme variations in climate.”
For more on the Laureates, click here:
While all three of the Laureates have been involved with
biotechnology research, naysayers are focused on an individual who is the
easiest target for a well-organized opposition: distinguished scientist Rob
Fraley, who works for Monsanto. Those attending the event can expect heightened
security, for fear of anti-GE protest aimed at generating media attention.
One opposition group, Food and Water Watch, noted last week that “the
World Food Prize…touts a lofty mission to reward those who have contributed to combating
hunger by increasing the quality, quantity and availability of food around the
world,” but noted the selection committee remains anonymous.
“This point was perhaps never more salient than when the 2013
award was given to Monsanto’s Vice-President Robert Fraley for his work in
agricultural biotechnology — including the development of genetically
engineered (GE) Roundup Ready crops used widely in U.S. corn, soy and cotton
production,” noted Food and Water Watch.
Biotechnology opponents also have their advocates in Congress,
which makes the letter even more important in demonstrating such wide-spread
support from farm organizations and the academic community.
Just last week, Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski,
D-Md., stripped a spending bill of a provision meant to ensure that farmers who
planted biotech crops could keep those legally approved crops in the ground
even when federal judges rule against the approval.
#30
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com
