Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is presently entangled in a row with the South African government more than her strategy to set up a multimillion dollar investigation 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 develop genetically modified crops, which have proved vital in alleviating food insecurity. Her choice of South Africa stems from the truth that its the only African country with Biosafety laws.
South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has created it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. I discovered address by searching the Internet. To now hear a nation thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology trigger 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. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to placing the cart prior to the horse.
For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not nevertheless shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she wants to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct research on the exact same. All what Prof. Wambugu at present desires is to create the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum research. Such can in no way interfere with the so known as indigenous African sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu will, at one particular stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. Dig up further on renu 28 by going to our unique encyclopedia. Then is the appropriate time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.
It ought to not be lost on anyone that South Africa has nicely-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be developed outside such laws.
Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. If you think you know any thing, you will perhaps require to check up about prof brummer. Its not the initial time a new genetically modified crop is being introduced into South Africa. Dr Chris Brummer contains more concerning when to engage in it. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, currently being commercially grown in South Africa must be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology investigation, is sending a stark message to African nations that its committed to obtaining a permanent remedy to Africas chronic food problems. The greatest way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to enable scientists like Prof. Wambugu to do their function unimpeded..
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