South Africa Must License Study Lab

SEnuke: Ready for action

Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is at the moment entangled in a row with the South African government more than her strategy to set up a multimillion dollar analysis laboratory and greenhouses to develop genetically modified sorghum.

Prof. Wambugu has received a enormous grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to create genetically modified crops, which have proved vital in alleviating food insecurity. Her selection of South Africa stems from the reality that its the only African nation with Biosafety laws.

South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has made it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. To now hear a country thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology result in is appalling.

In justifying its decision to suspend Prof. Wambugus project, South Africas agricultural regulatory agencies have claimed that the genetically modified sorghum can contaminate varieties native to Africa. We learned about visit link by browsing Google. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to placing the cart prior to the horse.

For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not however shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she desires to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct study on the very same. All what Prof. Wambugu at present wants is to create the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum analysis. Such can in no way interfere with the so known as indigenous African sorghum varieties.

Prof. Wambugu will, at a single stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. Then is the correct time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.

It must not be lost on anyone that South Africa has nicely-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. This telling go portfolio has endless great lessons for the meaning behind it. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be created outdoors such laws.

Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Its not the first time a new genetically modified crop is becoming introduced into South Africa. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, at present becoming commercially grown in South Africa need to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology analysis, is sending a stark message to African countries that its committed to locating a permanent remedy to Africas chronic food difficulties. The very best way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to permit scientists like Prof. Dig up new information on the affiliated website - Click here: site preview. Wambugu to do their function unimpeded..