Agence France Presse

Genetic food fight heats up

BANGKOK, Sept 14

Commercial food giant Monsanto hit out Tuesday at non- governmental and
traditional farming organisations over their reluctance to embrace
genetically modified crops and other biotechnology advances. Monsanto
Asia-Pacific research director Paul Teng warned of "dangerous
anti-science elements emerging in Asia," at a crop development conference here.

Non-governmental groups have warned not enough research has been carried
out into the environmental and health impact of genetically modified
crops. Large foreign agriculture firms are at the forefront of
genetically modified crop development and are reportedly pioneering seed that
becomes sterile after its first growing season.

Critics have labelled it the "Terminator seed" and warned it will
increase reliance on commercial agriculture firms and wipe out small
farmers who use seed from one crop to plant another.

While there are testing provisions for food already in place in
Australia, the availability of GM-tested products is minimal, Hussey
said. Figures for the amount of genetically altered food sold in
Australia were not immediately available.

Executive News Svc.