www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

Genetically Modified crops from African countries will not be denied entry
into the European Union (EU), top research scientists have said by Joseph
Olanyo .
"We are concerned that you always do not hear the truth. It is often claimed
that the EU is opposed to GMOs. Many people have been told negative things,
but we will continue with the meetings to ensure that the technology is
adopted," Mr Greef said.

GMOs are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a
way that does not occur naturally. GM foods are developed and marketed
because of their perceived advantage to either the producers or consumers.

The training workshop was organised by the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) in conjunction with AfricaBio. It
attracted journalists and research scientists from Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and
South Africa.

Mr De Greef's remarks come against a background of widespread opposition to
the development of GMOs. However, Mr De Greef said six EU countries are
currently planting GM crops, with several more hoping to start soon.

He said Spain is leading the way with 60,000 hectares already planted.
France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany and Slovakia, he said, have also
increased their acreages fivefold in 2006, from 1,500 hectares in 2005 to
8,500 hectares in 2006.

"What the activists are not telling you is that the most likely GMO crops to
be produced in Africa are maize, soybean, cotton and possibly cassava at
some future state," Mr Greef said.

"With the exception of cotton, none of these crops are currently being
exported to the EU. Should Africa one day become self sufficient in maize
and soybeans, surplus exports of approved GM products to the EU will never
be in jeopardy."

The President of AfricaBio, Prof Diran Makinde said the majority of Africa's
scientists, agricultural research institutions and political leaders have
embraced the GM technology and are speeding up the process for the adoption
of GM crops.

Prof Makinde, also working with New Partnership for African Development said
Heads of State at the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa early this
year, endorsed a 20-year bio-technology action plan calling for cooperation
among States in specific regions to bolster biotechnology research and
address bio-safety concerns.

"The reason no GM crops are being grown in Africa is because various
countries are still in the process of formulating regulatory procedures to
legalise the production of GM crops," Prof Makinde said.

[www.monitor.co.ug]