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Meridian Institute Food Security and Ag-Biotech
News 7/10/2003
South Africa: Battle Over Modified Crops Data Takes
Root (SRC:Business Day -- ATH:n/a)
The article describes an ongoing legal dispute in South Africa over
genetically modified (GM) crops. In September 2002, Biowatch South
Africa, a non-governmental organization, filed an application asking
South Africa's highest court to force the government to disclose more
information about GM crops. Biowatch wants a list of GM crops grown in
South Africa and the locations of GM crop field trials. It is also
asking for public access to records that document government-conducted
risk assessments of those GM crop varieties that have received
government permits. Biowatch lawyer Cormac Cullinan says that the case
is about the proper balance between the public's constitutional right to
know and a company's right to protect commercially sensitive
information. Biowatch has expressed concern in its court papers that the
present regulation of GM crops in South Africa may be inadequate. The
South African government, along with Monsanto, has voiced its opposition
to Biowatch's application. The article notes that two South African seed
companies may lend their support to the government's case. The article
can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.agbios.com/news.php |
