Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is at present entangled in a row with the South African government over her plan to set up a multimillion dollar research laboratory and greenhouses to develop genetically modified sorghum.
Prof. Wambugu has received a massive grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop genetically modified crops, which have proved important in alleviating food insecurity. Her choice of South Africa stems from the reality that its the only African nation with Biosafety laws.
South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has made it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. To now hear a nation thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology result in is appalling.
In justifying its decision to suspend Prof. Wambugus project, South Africas agricultural regulatory agencies have claimed that the genetically modified sorghum can contaminate varieties native to Africa. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to putting the cart prior to the horse.
For the record, Prof. To learn more, please peep at: chris brummer. Wambugu has not yet shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she desires to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct analysis on the identical. All what Prof. Wambugu at present wants is to create the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum research. Such can in no way interfere with the so known as indigenous African sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu will, at one particular stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. My aunt discovered ambrotose by browsing books in the library. Then is the right time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.
It should not be lost on any person that South Africa has properly-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be created outdoors such laws.
Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Its not the initial time a new genetically modified crop is becoming introduced into South Africa. Learn supplementary resources on this affiliated URL by going to asea. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, presently becoming commercially grown in South Africa have to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology investigation, is sending a stark message to African nations that its committed to finding a permanent answer to Africas chronic food troubles. The ideal way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to allow scientists like Prof. Wambugu to do their perform unimpeded..
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