Prof. Discover more on our favorite partner paper - Click here: tell us what you think. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is presently entangled in a row with the South African government over her plan to set up a multimillion dollar analysis laboratory and greenhouses to develop genetically modified sorghum.
Prof. Wambugu has received a large grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to create genetically modified crops, which have proved essential in alleviating food insecurity. Her decision of South Africa stems from the fact that its the only African country with Biosafety laws.
South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has made it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. This influential ambrotose encyclopedia has assorted lovely aids for why to see about it. To now hear a nation thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology result in is appalling.
In justifying its selection to suspend Prof. Wambugus project, South Africas agricultural regulatory agencies have claimed that the genetically modified sorghum can contaminate varieties native to Africa. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to placing the cart prior to the horse.
For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not however shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she desires to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct research on the identical. Should you hate to be taught more about sponsors, there are many resources people might investigate. All what Prof. Wambugu at present wants is to develop the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum investigation. Such can in no way interfere with the so called indigenous African sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu will, at 1 stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. Then is the right time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.
It really should not be lost on any individual that South Africa has properly-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be created outdoors such laws.
Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Its not the 1st time a new genetically modified crop is being introduced into South Africa. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, currently being commercially grown in South Africa need to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology research, is sending a stark message to African nations that its committed to obtaining a permanent answer to Africas chronic food troubles. The very best way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to enable scientists like Prof. Wambugu to do their work unimpeded..
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