Golden Rice (Vitamin A enriched rice)
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) , Supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, European Commission's agricultural research programme, Professor Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federation Institute of Technology, Orynova BV, Monsanto Company Inc., Syngenta, Bayer
Biotechnology development firms are planning the spread of the
nutrient-fortified "Golden Rice" to malnourished, poor regions by
allowing use of the technology free of charge to the IRRI in the
Philippines. It would seem that there would be no reason to
oppose the actions of corporations and researchers for the
improvement of nutrition (alleviating health problems and loss of
sight due to Vitamin A deficiencies). However, famine and
malnutrition are not problems due to production, but rather they
are caused by inefficiency of the distribution of food. If we
look at the "Green Revolution" that tried to prevent famine and
malnutrition by increasing production, we cannot accept golden
rice without question.
The "Green Revolution" greatly increased the productivity of rice
cultivation, but it depended on the heavy use of machinery,
chemical fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals. As a result,
small farms and family-owned farms that had little capital were
subjected to severe economic conditions and ultimately lead to a
widening of the gap between rich and poor. There was no decline
of famine or malnutrition attributable to the "Green Revolution."
With the ability to synthesize Vitamin A or develop other
processes, why do we need genetically modified golden rice? The
ulterior motive is to introduce to the market place and consumers
genetically modified agricultural products.
Some information indicates that Orynova is targeting golden rice
for the Japan and North America markets as part of its
specialized foods.
Serious thought needs to go into deciding who golden rice is to
benefit.(27/April/2001)
Current
Information
- By recombining the genes of daffodils and bacteria, beta carotene was successfully introduced into rice and plans call for the free use of this technology through the International Rice Research Institute.(Sankei, 8/4/1999)
- Rice fortified with iron was created through the introduction of proteins from the kidney bean. It was claimed that the iron content increased twofold.(8/4/1999 Mainichi Newspaper, 8/6/1999 Asahi Newspaper)
- Professor Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federation Institute of Technology, et. al. published their results in Science magazine.1/21/2000 Nihon Kougyou, Nihon Nougyou, Chemical Industry Daily)
- Announcement of the success of rice fortified with beta carotene and having the golden color of beta carotene. Plans call for production in 3-5 years. Because beta carotene is in the endosperm, it is claimed that the golden color of the rice is definitive proof.(8/8/1999 Nihon Kougyou, Mainichi Newspaper, 8.9.1999 Chemical Industry Daily)
- Through Orynova, Seneca becomes involved in developing golden rice as a product. Focusing on the anti-oxidant properties of beta-carotene, golden rice is marketed as a functional product to prevent heart disease, cancer, and aging. Introduced into Japan and North American markets as an improved variety.(5/17/2000 Nikkei Sangyou)
- Monsanto announces that it will allow golden rice technology to be used free of charge.(8/5/2000 Nikkei)
- IRRI, Rockefeller Foundation, and Syngenta begin to research on how to use golden rice. Syngenta, Bayer, Orynova, Monsanto and 1 other company give IRRI the rights to use the genetic technology freely without charge. The IRRI begins to modified local varieties. Results from this research are expected in 4 years.(1/26/2001 Nihon Nougyou, 1/31/2001 Nihon Shokuryou)
- Golden Rice seeds arrive at IRRI in the Philippines. The seeds are also expected to arrive at an Indian research center. Improvement of the variety begins.(3/26/2001 Nikkei)
[ April 28, 2001 | report ]