Issue link: https://industrialmanagement.epubxp.com/i/249982
Golden rice: Fact vs. fction In August 2013, a torrent of news was released about the destruction of an experimental feld of genetically modifed golden rice in the Philippines. News networks reported that hundreds of angry farmers stormed the felds and ripped the golden rice plants out of the ground. The attackers claimed that multinational corporations are trying to take control of the country's rice seed industry and thereby take advantage of the Philippines. They further justifed their actions by stating that golden rice puts the environment and the health of the public at risk. Greenpeace corroborated the attackers' health concern claim. Upon hearing the news, Mark Lynas, a journalist and environmental activist, rushed to the scene to fnd out the facts of the attack. First, he discovered that the trial was completely funded by public sector groups, including the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute. There was no private corporate involvement. Contingent upon successful feld trials, golden rice seeds would then be given to farmers for free – without technology costs or royalties. He further learned from the project's senior manager, Raul Boncodin, that the attackers were activists and not farmers. Although farmers were present, they only stood on the side and watched. Local farm leaders were shocked and saddened by the destruction of the rice, reported the news site Slate. Scientists all over the world also were saddened by the news because they knew that golden rice can prevent millions of deaths each year. Golden rice produces beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, a defciency of which can lead to blindness and death. Every year, a quarter-million to a half-million children become blind and 2 million people die due to a lack of vitamin A. Thousands of scientists signed a petition in support of golden rice and some expressed their frustration with the bundling of genetically modifed crops and politics. According to Food Safety News, Dr. Andrew Bartholomaeus, a toxicology expert at the University of Canberra, wrote, "As a toxicologist with 30 years of experience in food, cosmetics, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, I know the claims about risks of GM food are disingenuous and refect a political rather than moral position. The lives of millions are at risk from the mindless actions of illinformed anti-biotech activists." january/february 2014 13