Scientists have warned that a court decision to block the growing of the genetically modified (GM) crop Golden Rice in the Philippines could have catastrophic consequences. Tens of thousands of children could die in the wake of the ruling, they argue.
The Philippines had become the first country – in 2021 – to approve the commercial cultivation of Golden Rice, which was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major cause of disability and death among children in many parts of the world.
But campaigns by Greenpeace and local farmers last month persuaded the country’s court of appeal to overturn that approval and to revoke this. The groups had argued that Golden Rice had not been shown to be safe and the claim was backed by the court, a decision that was hailed as “a monumental win” by Greenpeace.
Many scientists, however, say there is no evidence that Golden Rice is in any way dangerous. More to the point, they argue that it is a lifesaver.
If the local people don’t want it, it shouldn’t be grown there. This is an obvious ploy to get all the food production controlled by the whatever company designed this crop.
Yeah it definitely shouldn’t be forced on anyone. But that isn’t what’s being argued here. The argument is that Greenpeace is convincing them to not want it just because of general fear of GMOs, not for valid scientific reasons.
As others have pointed out, this isn’t some company like Monsanto trying to push their patented product. Golden Rice does involve patents, but its developers have taken steps to ensure that these do not hinder its use for humanitarian purposes. Basically, poor farmers can use it for free, but the patent holders/inventors still own the IP, which would kick in for commercial use of the rice, likely outside of developing countries. It’s complicated and nuanced, but frankly it seems like they’re at least trying to do good. “They” being the International Rice Research Institute.
There is a local Greenpeace chapter, and the Filipino leader of the local Greenpeace chapter is quoted. It’s a global institution.
We have seen stuff like this before. Nestle gives out baby formula for free … until it’s not. Patent holders sue farmers for replanting seeds. And the concerns about GMO genetic drift are real. Read the article and stop making assumptions about where these concerns are coming from.