GENET-news
To stay informed you can subscribe to the GENET-news list.
2006-12-05 | permalink
China considers great leap into biotech rice
According to myth, seeds of rice came to China tied to a dog's tail, rescuing the people from famine after severe floods. Ancient writings held that grains, especially rice, were more precious than jade or pearls. China is the world's top producer and consumer of rice, which is an important symbol of its culture. Now, China is considering whether to allow farmers to plant rice seed born of biotechnology, modified by scientists in the laboratory. If China decides to go forward, it would become the first nation to commercialize the genetically engineered staple on a major scale. It also would mark a watershed in the history of a food synonymous with Asia's culture, potentially opening the floodgates for such crops across the region.
Overview
News
2006-12-05 | permalink
China considers great leap into biotech rice
According to myth, seeds of rice came to China tied to a dog's tail, rescuing the people from famine after severe floods. Ancient writings held that grains, especially rice, were more precious than jade or pearls. China is the world's top producer and consumer of rice, which is an important symbol of its culture. Now, China is considering whether to allow farmers to plant rice seed born of biotechnology, modified by scientists in the laboratory. If China decides to go forward, it would become the first nation to commercialize the genetically engineered staple on a major scale. It also would mark a watershed in the history of a food synonymous with Asia's culture, potentially opening the floodgates for such crops across the region.
GENET-news & GENET-forum
GENET-news is providing a daily news service on a range of topics regarding genetic engineering. We are screening the worldwide English news, press releases and other publications to provide you with a strategic selection of information. GENET-news enables you to stay informed about all aspects of the global controversy around GE technologies and GE organisms. You can subscribe by 
email.
The GENET-forum list provides you with additional background information and more voluminous reports. It is only open for GENET members. Please contact the coordinator for membership and subscription.