[Imc-uk-features] Feat Proposal - Front and Biotech - Bayer pulls out of india and uk

[Planet Mail]

hiya,

proposal for uk frontpage and biotech page:

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Bayer Abandons GM crops in India and UK

In an admission of immense significance to the entire genetic engineering 
industry, Bayer Crop Science has conceded to Greenpeace India that 
<b>all</a> of its projects on genetically engineered crops have been 
"discontinued" [see <a href="/en/2004/11/301226.html">newswire report</a> | 
<a 
href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international_en/multimedia/download/1/647328/0/bayerletters.pdf">Bayer 
Admission Letter (pdf)</a> | <a 
href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international_en/news/details?item_id=647402">Greenpeace 
Statement</a>]

<br><br>

"We don't need genetically engineered crops to feed India," said a genetic 
engineering campaigner for Greenpeace India. "Around the world, in fact, 
the promises made by the genetic engineering industry have been 
unfulfilled, whether of increasing crop yields or reducing pesticide use." 
She continued, "It doesn't surprise us that Bayer is giving up GE 
experiments in India. They saw the writing on the wall"

<br><br>

This retreat follows other recent decisions that set Bayer back - on 9th 
November Bayer CropScience removed the last 2 GM crop varieties still in 
the approval process for the UK National Seed List [see <a 
href="/en/2004/11/301359.html">report</a>]. Previously in March 2004, the 
company announced they would be pulling out of GE crop research in the UK. 
A few months later, in June, Bayer announced they would not pursue 
commercialization of GE canola in Australia. Bayer's letter to Greenpeace 
India following direct action against the company, concedes that research 
into engineered cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, tomato and mustard seed has 
all been halted.

<br><br>

"It is clear that popular resistance to genetic engineering is not 
diminishing as the industry had hoped it would," said Doreen Stabinsky, GE 
campaigner for Greenpeace International. "No matter what country we're 
talking about, consumers are on the same page. They don't want to eat 
genetically engineered food. That's good news for farmers and good news for 
the environment."

<br><br>

For more see:
<a href="/en/topics/bio-technology/">Biotech IMC</a> |
<a href="http://www.biotechimc.org">Indymedia UK Biotech Section</a> |
<a href="http://www.geneticsaction.org.uk">Genetics Action</a> |
<a href="http://www.CBGnetwork.org">CBGnetwork</a>
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