Genetically Modified Rice: Issues in the first half of 2005
Genetically Modified Rice: Issues in the first half of 2005
In Japan the development of genetically modified (GM) rice is
mainly promoted by governmental research institutes. Citing
"cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice" as an example, they are
stipulating both research and commercialization of GM crops in the
progress schedule of Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas Basic Plan,
expressing their strong intention to proceed with the plan as
national policy. As we view the different pamphlets
addressing consumers, producers and governmental agencies made in
accordance with the basic plan, it also becomes evident that they
intend to proceed without exposing the issue too much to opposing
consumers, as there are no information on GM development given in
the pamphlet for consumers, while there are some (on the
"development of pollen allergy preventive rice") in the pamphlet
for producers, and more in the detailed pamphlet for governmental
agencies.
The controversial field trial of the cedar-pollen allergy
preventive rice last year was eventually carried out at the
National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) in Tsukuba
(Ibaraki prefecture). Further experiment continues in 2005 at
the same location, and rice seedlings were planted on June 8.
Meanwhile, field trials of disease resistant rice are carried out
at the National Agricultural Research Center's Hokuriku Research
Center in Joetsu (Niigata prefecture) despite strong opposition
from nearby farmers. This disease resistant rice proclaims
"less pesticide use", provoking the wrath of organic farmers.
Although Hokkaido passed the Anti-hybridization Prefectural
Ordinance for Growing Genetically Modified Crops, to be enacted in
October 2005, the National Agricultural Research Center for
Hokkaido Region has announced a plan to start field trials of
cool-weather resistant GM rice from 2007.
Abroad, there were news reports that pesticidal rice seeds
developed by the Huazhong University of Agriculture in China were
commercially sold and the harvested rice was exported. The
Japanese government maintained that the rice did not enter Japan,
mainly because it was Indica breed, and because Japan doesn't
import rice from Hubei region.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) announced a plan
to develop new Golden Rice containing twenty times more
beta-carotene and to commercially produce the rice in Asian
countries within four or five years. (Nihon Nougyou Shimbun,
2005/6/5)
Aside from rice, it was found out that pesticidal dent corn (Bt10) – its safety yet to be proven – was grown from 2001 to 2004 in the US and marketed as animal feed. They have also been detected in Japan. Those found at the port were barred from entering the country, but for those already being marketed the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) assured "there is no safety problem". In response to the discovery in March, the European Union (EU) announced in April it would "not allow import of animal feed from the US unless its safety is proven".
Disease resistant rice: Hokuriku Research
Center
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 on “Dontokoi" breed,
resistant to rice blast and bacterial leaf blight. The trials
will continue till 2006, and seven lines will be tested.
Regarding its safety as food, it has so far been reported that,
"safety as food has not been examined, but according to tests
conducted by the National Food Research Institute, it was confirmed
that one of the two introduced genes, mALS, does not have an amino
acid sequence suggested to be a toxic protein, and the other gene,
defensin, does not have the sequence suggested to be a toxic
protein or an allergen, and its complete digestibility has been
confirmed through digestive experiment using artificial gastric and
intestinal fluids" (from the Field Trial Plan).
On June 24, farmers and consumers of Niigata prefecture filed a
provisional disposition with Niigata District Court Takada
Division, urging to stop planting rice seedlings outdoors.
The cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice: National
Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
The National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences is conducting
segregated field trials in 2005, to be continued till 2006.
Regarding its safety as food, it has been reported that, "the
cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice containing peptide does not
fall under crops approved safe for food or animal feed" (from the
Field Trial Plan). It has also been announced that toxicity,
reproduction, mutation and antigenicity tests using mice, rats and
monkeys will be conducted in 2006 to examine its safety as food,
followed by an efficacy evaluation test through human oral
administration after consulting the ethics committee of concerned
authorities.
Iron deficiency tolerant rice (alkaline soil tolerant
rice): Tokyo University Graduate School
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 at the Tohoku
University, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Field Science
Center, for two years until 2007.
Short statue lodging resistant rice: The National
Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 in Tsukuba, Ibaraki
prefecture. Plans for 2006 onward are undecided.
Cool-weather resistant rice: National Agricultural
Research Center for Hokkaido Region
According to newspapers, Nihon Nougyou Shimbun and Hokkaido Shimbun
dated June 9, 2005, National Agricultural Research Center for
Hokkaido Region indicated plan to conduct open air experiment from
2007. It will also apply for a patent. Until 2006 it
will conduct closed experiments inside the greenhouse.
[ September 17, 2005 | report ]