GE Reports

Rice, Biodiversity & Nutrients

March 17, 2005

What happened to the rice landraces during the 'Green Revolution'? There are few sectors in agriculture where the so-called Green Revolution had such an overwhelming impact as in rice production. In 1966, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) released the first high yielding rice variety in the Philippines. In the subsequent decade a small number of such high yielding varieties (HYV) almost completely replaced thousands of the traditional rice landraces previously cultivated by the farmers. The traditional varieties where collected for conservation in the seed banks of national and international research institutions, which farmers had no access to. Adoption of the new varieties was expedited through vigorous political support in the Philippines, as in other Asian countries.

Download PDF (443 Kb)

Genetically Engineered Fish - New Threats to the Environment

January 05, 2005

This briefing examines the development of genetically engineered (GE) fish, which could soon be produced on a commercial scale.

Download PDF (750 Kb)

Rice at Risk: Will there be a choice with GE Rice?

October 01, 2004

Proponents of genetic engineering argue that "co-existence" of genetically engineered (GE, sometimes called genetic modified, GM or transgenic) and non-GE rice is possible.They argue that countries, and even neighbouring farmers, will be able to produce and keep separate GE rice, non-GE (conventional), and organic rice for export and/or domestic consumption. However, there is strong evidence that co-existence for rice is not possible - GE contamination will occur.

Download PDF (978 Kb)

The European Union's new labelling rules for genetically engineered food and feed

June 16, 2004

The European Union implemented new labelling and traceability legislation for genetically modified food, feed and ingredients in April 2004. They are the strictest world-wide. These new rules, which apply to the world's largest single market, will have major repercussions on the future market of all genetically modified crops, vegetables, fruits, food and feed products derived from GMOs. This document outlines the implications of the new regulation.

Download PDF (781 Kb)

Percy Schmeiser v. Monsanto

June 16, 2004

This document outlines the legal history between Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser and Biotech giant Monstanto. In 1997,he accidentally discovered that some of his plants had been contaminated with Monsanto's Roundup Ready canola seed (most likely through wind-borne material).

Download PDF (155 Kb)

The true cost of gene patents

June 15, 2004

The patenting of living organisms continues to be extremely controversial in Europe. Large sections of the general public and politicians continue to reject the patenting of genes and living organisms. This document outlines the social and economic reasons repercussions of using gene patents.

Download PDF (308 Kb)

Learn more Global warming Oceans Forests Nuclear Toxics Staff blog	Media center Press contacts News releases Bloggers Center Experts Photos Videos	Get involved Take action Jobs Greenpeace Organizing Term Greenpeace Student Network	Donate Tax-deductible giving
702 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 462-1177