In 1999, a trait was introduced into rice which increased its pro-Vitamin A content. It was hoped that this 'Golden Rice' (so called because of the orange colour the trait gave to the rice) would prevent Vitamin A deficiency in those parts of the world which depend on rice as a staple crop.
Since its advent, the rice has faced enormous criticism from anti-GM groups.
Here are some quotations illustrating the arguments for and against.
For:
'GMO technology had been used to solve an urgent need and to provide a clear benefit to the consumer, and especially to the poor and disadvantaged.'
– Ingo Potrykus; The Golden Rice 'Tale', goldenrice.org(opens in a new window)
'Golden rice is the first compelling example of a genetically engineered crop that may benefit not just the farmers who grow it but also the consumers who eat it.'
– J Madeleine Nash; Grains of Hope(opens in a new window), 12 Feb, 2001
'Against all expectations, 'freedom to operate' for humanitarian use has been achieved, enabling us to provide this technology free of charge and limitations, via national and international public research institutions and local rice breeders to the subsistence farmers in developing countries.'
– Ingo Potrykus; Golden Rice and Beyond(opens in a new window), 12 Feb, 2001
Against:
The Golden Rice Hoax – When Public Relations replaces Science(opens in a new window)
– Dr Vandana Shiva, Indian Environmental Activist
'Golden Rice is a technical failure standing in the way of real solutions for vitamin A deficiency'
– Greenpeace Press Release on Genetic Engineering(opens in a new window), 2005
'At first glance, golden rice appeared to be a godsend. But a closer look reveals a tarnished truth.'
– Friends of the Earth Int; The tarnished record of golden rice(opens in a new window), p28
(Please note, these websites are external and open in new browser windows.)
Features:
Geoengineering I Zambia I Chernobyl I Golden Rice I Climate change I The energy debate I DTT
