Virginia, USA
June 18, 2013
http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2013/Jun13.pdf
Table of Contents
REGULATORY NEWS
Supremes Settle Bowman Case, While DuPont and Monsanto Settle Disputes
Phill Jones
During May 2013, the US Supreme Court published its decision about a patent infringement suit between Indiana farmer Vernon Bowman and Monsanto Company. The case percolated through federal courts for six years. Pioneer Hi-Bred, one of Monsanto’s licensed seed producers, had sold Pioneer Hi-Bred® brand soybean seeds containing the Roundup Ready® technology to Bowman. Pioneer required Bowman to sign a contract that included restrictions identical to Monsanto’s Technology Agreement. Bowman continued to buy seeds from Pioneer, and he planted seeds containing the Roundup Ready® technology each year as his first crop in each growing season.
www.isb.vt.edu/news/2013/Jun/DeptofAg.pdfJ.R. Simplot Co.; Availability of Petition for Determination of Nonregulated Status of Potato Genetically Engineered for Low Acrylamide Potential and Reduced Black Spot Bruise
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Docket No. APHIS-2012-0067
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from the J.R. Simplot Company (Simplot) seeking a determination of nonregulated status of potatoes designated as Innate™ potatoes, which have been genetically engineered for low acrylamide potential and reduced black spot bruise. We are making the Simplot petition available for review and comment to help us identify potential environmental and interrelated economic issues and impacts that APHIS may determine should be considered in our evaluation of the petition.
ANIMAL RESEARCH NEWS
Nanotechnology for Genetic Engineering in Agriculture
Sandra H. Burnett and Brian D. Jensen
Genetically engineered animals are being produced annually in ever-expanding numbers for a large variety of beneficial uses. In 1985, pronuclear microinjection was the first successful method used to produce genetically engineered animals. Even with the range of methods now available for genetic engineering of rodents, microinjection remains one of the preferred delivery strategies. Recently, we developed a new method of delivering DNA to fertilized mouse eggs using a MEMS chip with a moveable, nanometer-sized lance that is capable of holding DNA based on electrical charge. We dubbed the new method “Nanoinjection” based on the smallness of the lance and the ability to deliver DNA.
NEWS AND NOTES
NATURE SPECIAL ISSUE
GM CROPS: PROMISE AND REALITY
nature.com/gmcrops
Genetically modified crops generate hype and hatred. In this special issue, Nature explores the messy middle ground. A News Feature weighs the evidence behind some of the most controversial claims about the effects of GM crops.
USDA Investigating Detection of Genetically Engineered (GE) Glyphosate-resistant Wheat in Oregon
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2013/05/ge_wheat_detection.shtml
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced [May 29, 2013] that test results of plant samples from an Oregon farm indicate the presence of genetically engineered (GE) glyphosate-resistant wheat plants. Further testing by USDA laboratories indicates the presence of the same GE glyphosate resistant wheat variety that Monsanto was authorized to field test in 16 states from 1998 to 2005. APHIS launched a formal investigation after being notified by an Oregon State University scientist that initial tests of wheat samples from an Oregon farm indicated the possible presence of GE glyphosate-resistant wheat plants.
Updated: Monsanto Statement on USDA GM Wheat Report
http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/monsanto-statement-on-usda-gm-wheat.aspx
Monsanto is in the process of conducting its own investigation into the matter of the reported detection of Roundup Ready wheat in a single field in Oregon, and is prepared to take actions once the investigation results are known to ensure that its farmer customers and the broader wheat industry remains strong. In order to provide information on this reported detection, its own investigation, its wheat technology and its wheat business, Monsanto will update www.monsanto.com/gmwheat to ensure its farmer customers and stakeholders are aware of ongoing developments.
The 8th National Biotechnology Congress of Iran and the 4th Congress on Biosafety and Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology for Food Security and Health
July 6-8, 2013 Tehran, Iran
Iran Biotechnology Information Center (IRBIC), Biosafety Society of Iran (BSI), and Iranian Biotechnology Society will jointly host the 4th Biosafety and Genetic Engineering Congress and the 8th National Biotechnology Congress of Iran simultaneously from July 6 to 8, 2013 at the University of Tehran, Iran. Scientists, academia, decision makers, industry, farmers, private and public sectors, regulatory authorities and civil activists are invited to attend.
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