Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is presently entangled in a row with the South African government over her strategy to set up a multimillion dollar analysis laboratory and greenhouses to create genetically modified sorghum.
Prof. Wambugu has received a huge grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop genetically modified crops, which have proved essential in alleviating food insecurity. Her choice of South Africa stems from the fact that its the only African country with Biosafety laws.
South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has produced 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 trigger is appalling.
In justifying its choice 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 ahead of the horse.
For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not yet shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she desires to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct study on the very same. All what Prof. Wambugu currently wants is to develop the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum investigation. Such can in no way interfere with the so known as indigenous African sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu will, at one stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. Then is the correct time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.
It should not be lost on anyone that South Africa has well-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. Chris Brummer includes further about the inner workings of this view. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be developed outdoors such laws.
Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Learn more about prof brummer by going to our powerful portfolio. Dig up extra information on this related article directory - Click here: quality https://chrisbrummer.com/gallery/. Its not the initial time a new genetically modified crop is being introduced into South Africa. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, presently becoming commercially grown in South Africa need to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology study, is sending a stark message to African countries that its committed to locating a permanent answer to Africas chronic food troubles. The greatest way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to allow scientists like Prof. Prof Brummer contains additional resources about the meaning behind this idea. Wambugu to do their perform unimpeded..
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