Pesticide Action Network Updates Service (PANUPS)

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Resource Pointer #355 (GM Crops)
February 11, 2004

For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly.

*First International Peasants-Scientists Conference, “Science for the People: Challenges of Genetic Engineering and Agrochemicals,” 2003* Jennifer Mourin (editor), PAN Asia & the Pacific (PANAP). The Proceedings of a conference held in Kuala Lumpur September 27-30, 2002 intending to bridge the gap between the peasant movements in Asia and the scientific and academic communities. A collection of speeches and presentations addresses the environmental and human health risks associated with Genetically Engineered (GE) foods and agrochemicals. Topics covered include: impacts of genetic engineering and agrochemicals on rural peasant communities, latest scientific studies on the human health and environmental threats posed by GE crops, strategies and campaigns against GE and agrochemical use in the region, and advocacy and policy interventions. Contact PANAP, P.O. Box 1170, 10850 Penang, Malaysia; phone (604) 657-0271; fax (604) 657-7445; email panap@panap.net; Web site http://www.panap.net/.

*Field Work: Weighing up the Costs and Benefits of GM Crops, 2003* The Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. Incorporates the perspectives of genetically modified (GM) crop experts, food scientists, the public, and economic data to analyze the costs and benefits of GM crops throughout the next 15 years. Presents 5 different scenarios to explore the possible future of GM crops in the UK and inform developing policies and regulations for GM crops. Supplemental Analysis Papers address specific aspects of GM crops’ costs and benefits including environmental and human health, developing countries, industry, and science. 116 pages. Available for free download at: http://www.number-10.gov.uk/su/gm/index.htm. Contact Strategy Unit, 4th Floor – South Side, Admiralty Arch, The Mall, London SW1A 2WH, UK; phone (02 07) 276-1881; email strategy@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk; Web site http://www.strategy.gov.uk/.

*Genetically Modified Crops and Food, Worldwide Regulation, Prohibition and Production, 2003* Center for Food Safety (CFS) and the International Forum on Globalization (IFG). A world map with symbols identifying countries with GM policies consistent with the following: signed the Biosafety Protocol, ratified the Biosafety Protocol, proposed or enforced labeling laws, and proposed or enforced bans on commercialization. Intended as an overview concern regarding GM crops throughout the world. Available for free download at: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/pubs/Electronic%20Version.pdf. Limited print copies also available. Contact CFS, 660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Suite 302, Washington, D.C. 20003; phone (202) 547-9359; fax (202) 547-9429; email office@centerforfoodsafety.org; Web site http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/.

*GM Crops: Going Against the Grain, 2003* Liz Orton, ActionAid. Critically examines the popular claims that GM crops can alleviate poverty and provide increased food security by assessing the use of GM crops in developing countries. Concludes that GM crops are unsuited for this task and pose a threat to biodiversity, basic rights, and the livelihoods of farmers throughout the world. Proposes alternative poverty alleviation strategies that focus on appropriate technologies, public sector agricultural research, government regulations to reduce corporate control of food, and protection of biodiversity and intellectual property. 46 pages. Contact ActionAid, Hamlyn House, Macdonald Road, Archway, London N19 5PG, UK; phone (02 07) 561-7561; fax (02 07) 272 0899; email mail@actionaid.org.uk; Web site http://www.actionaid.org/.

*Don’t Worry It’s Safe to Eat: The True Story of GM Food, BSE and Foot and Mouth, 2003* Andrew Rowell. Explores the scientific, economic, social, and political climate surrounding food production in the United Kingdom and beyond. Presents commercial interests and economic factors as playing a dangerous role in government’s regulatory decisions and argues for increased attention to public concerns and critical reviews from scientists, and a precautionary approach to food policy. 268 pages. US $29.99. Contact Earthscan Publications Ltd., 8-12 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH, UK; phone (01 90) 382-8800; fax (02 07) 387-8998; email earthinfo@earthscan.co.uk; Web site http://www.earthscan.co.uk/.

We encourage those interested in having resources listed in the PANUPS Resource Pointer to send review copies of publications, videos or other resources to our office.

PANUPS is a weekly email news service providing resource guides and reporting on pesticide issues that don’t always get coverage by the mainstream media. It’s produced by Pesticide Action Network North America, a non-profit and non-governmental organization working to advance sustainable alternatives to pesticides worldwide.

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