Genetically Engineered Trees

 

Since 1999 GENET collects and distributes information on various topics in the field of genetic engineering in agriculture, food production and health. With this "Special Topic: GE Trees" GENET aims at providing an overview about the worldwide debate on genetically engineered trees, based on our archives.

 

Databank Query 1: "trees" as key word in the GENET-news text

 

You will find a selection of publications in the section "Research & Reports". To get more information about the different stakeholders in the debate, please follow the internet links to selected actors in the civil society and industry sectors. Finally, the page "GE Trees and the CBD" introduces you into the international debate about a moratorium on GE trees that is ongoing at the Convention for Biological Biodiversity.

GENET-news articles

2009-01-29 | permalink

U.S. scientists bredd non-GE scab-resistant apple

A new, late-ripening apple named WineCrisp which carries the Vf gene for scab resistance was developed over the past 20 plus years through classical breeding techniques, not genetic engineering. License to propagate trees will be made available to nurseries through the University of Illinois. Being resistant to apple scab is a big plus for growers, said University of Illinois plant geneticist Schuyler Korban, as it significantly reduces the number of chemical fungicide sprays. ”Apple scab is the number one disease that growers have to spray for — 15 to 20 times per season — so not having to spray for apple scab lowers the cost for the grower and is better for the environment.”

2008-11-24 | permalink

Overwhelming opposition to GE papaya in the USA

Organizations came together with scientists, businesses, organic farmers, bee keepers and others to oppose a U.S. Department of Agriculture proposal to allow the commercialization of genetically engineered papaya trees in Florida. Over 12,000 people opposed the commercialization while only 17 people submitted statements supporting the commercialization of GE papaya. The STOP GE Trees Campaign, which initiated the call for opposition, includes 137 organizations across the world that have united in the demand for a global ban on GE trees of all types.

2008-11-14 | permalink

City of Nelson (Canada) becomes a GE plant free zone

Acting as a pinnacle to our GE-Free Zones series, on November 3, 2008, the City of Nelson, B.C., officially became Canada’s third GE-Free zone. In a unanimous decision by the City Council, a resolution was adopted that expresses opposition to the ”cultivation of GE plants and trees”. Deconstructing Dinner was on hand to record the monumental decision.

2008-11-04 | permalink

Change in the roots - GE ayurvedic herbs developed in India

GM technology is moving beyond traditional food crops to create GM herbs and GM trees. Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Jivanti and Brahmi have been genetically engineered. Scientists say GM herbs have enhanced medicinal properties. Ayurveda however sees a plant in its totality and not for one quality. Can Ayurveda really be compatible with genetic modification?

2008-09-11 | permalink

Campaigners attack plans to plant GM trees in UK

FRIENDS of the Earth have hit out at controversial plans by scientists at Southampton University to grow genetically modified trees on Forestry Commission land. It is the first time scientists have tried to grow GM trees in Britain since 1999 when activists destroyed 115 modified trees in Berkshire. Environmental campaigners say the dangers of contamination – especially as trees live so long – the complex mechanics of tree reproduction and the risk to biodiversity are all so great the idea should be rejected.

2008-08-25 | permalink

Kootenay Food Strategy Society launches local GE-free campaign in Canada

Organized by a sub-group of the Kootenay Food Strategy Society, the G.E. Free Kootenays campaign used the event to encourage area residents to become involved and supportive of the creation of a region that remains free of genetically-engineered plants and trees. [...] ”Our next step is to present our strategy to the public and encourage community-specific groups to get involved in bringing this issue to their municipal and regional councils and boards,” says spokesperson Kim Charlesworth.

2008-08-20 | permalink

Bid to plant genetically-modified trees in UK

Scientists have applied to plant genetically modified trees in Britain despite fears that they will damage native wildlife, The Sunday Telegraph can disclose. Supporters of GM trees say the technology can also be used to help protect Britain’s forests from disease They have asked the Forestry Commission for permission to put GM trees on its land for an international study into biofuels. But environmental campaigners have pledged to fight the scheme.

2008-08-20 | permalink

Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (Belgium) appeals denial for GE tree field trial

The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, VIB, submitted a request to the Council of State on July 23, 2008, to suspend and quash the decision of Ministers Magnette and Onkelinx denying its approval for a field test of genetically modified poplar trees. Flemish Minister of Economics, Entrepreneurship, Science, Innovation and Foreign Trade, Patricia Ceysens, has given VIB permission to take the necessary action to prevent the field test from being lost.

2008-07-22 | permalink

GM crops and biofuels

Are European biofuels producers being disadvantaged because some countries won’t allow the production or importation of genetically modified crops? In many ways, genetically modified (GM) crops and biofuels are made for each other. The enhanced yields available from the current generation of GM crops such as corn and soybeans can help farmers meet the growing feedstock demand for biofuels while still producing sufficient quantities of food and animal feed. In the future, GM crops with even higher yields and entirely novel GM varieties of grasses and trees should make biofuels production even more efficient and inexpensive.

2008-06-02 | permalink

UN Convention on Biological Diversity failed to ban GE trees

Campaigners have said they will fight a UN decision that could see plantations of genetically modified trees grown in the wild. The 150 countries that are members of the Convention on Biological Diversity - the leading international agreement for ecological governance - refused to ban the controversial trees during their conference in Bonn, Germany. The decision means that trees whose genetic traits have been manipulated to make them more suitable for the paper making and biofuel industries, can be grown in field trials with a view to being grown on a commercial scale. Under the decision, members are allowed to ban the controversial trees in their own countries but with no international agreement, they would not be protected by contaminated pollen blown across national borders from neighboring countries.

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GE Trees: NGOs and Social Movements

 people's Forest Forum

The Global Ban on GM Trees Campaign was released by three Finnish non-governemental organisations in January 2004. The open petition protested decicion made in UN Climate change meeting in Milano to include transgenic trees in their climate toolbox. This desicion violated the biodiversity and biosafety agreements and prozesses.

 Stop GE Trees Campaign

The Stop GE Trees Campaign is a national and international alliance of organizations that have united toward the goal of prohibiting the ecologically and socially devastating release of genetically engineered trees into the environment. Global Justice Ecology Project coordinates, administrates and fundraises for the campaign. World Rainforest Movement, based in Uruguay, is the Southern Hub for the Campaign and has materials in Spanish and Portuguese.

 Genetically Modified Trees

Information by the World Rainforest Movement

  • WRM publications on GM Trees
  • Articles published in WRM bulletin
  • WRM special bulletin on GM Trees
  • Video "The Silent Forest"
  • Other relevant information
  • Links

GE Trees: Biotechnology Industry and Science

 Institute for Forest Biotechnology

The Institute promotes the responsible use of biotechnology in forest trees.  We advance the societal, environmental, and economic benefits biotechnology can bring to forests around the world.  The Institute of Forest Biotechnology (IFB) is the only non-profit organization to address the sustainability of forest biotechnology on a global scale.

 ArgorGen

Trees are the world’s most plentiful and versatile source of renewable materials and an important resource for bioenergy. ArborGen is dedicated to improving the sustainability and productivity of purpose grown working forests, providing more wood on less land while preserving native habitats in all their diversity and complexity for future generations.

 Tree Biosafety and Genomics Research Cooperative

The goal of the Tree Biosafety and Genomics Research Cooperative (TBGRC) is to conduct research, technology transfer, and education to facilitate beneficial uses of genetically engineered trees in plantations. The TBGRC seeks to test and develop select innovations, based on progress in molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology, that will ultimately have commercial value to wood-growing and horticultural industries. Research is presently focused on poplars as scientific models for genetic engineering and functional genomic studies.