| | 17/February/25
| | New Zealand's GMO deregulation proposal: Developers must prove their GMOs are conventional-like – not just declare it GMWatch's Claire Robinson and Prof Michael Antoniou have submitted their comments to the New Zealand government on its proposal to deregulate certain GMO technologies and products on the basis of developer claims that they are conventional-like. Robinson and Antoniou tell the government that GMO developers must prove scientifically that their GMOs are truly equivalent to conventionally bred organisms, by carrying out certain readily available tests. GMWatch GMWatch interviewed on Reality Check Radio GMWatch's Claire Robinson and GE Free New Zealand's Jon Carapiet were interviewed on Reality Check Radio on the New Zealand government's GMO deregulation proposal (see above item). Reality Check Radio Japanese consumers shocked by New Zealand deregulation proposal In an open letter, Consumers Union of Japan comments on the New Zealand government's GMO deregulation proposal, expressing their shock and worry at the move. The group warns that Japanese consumers value New Zealand's high quality, trusted, non-GMO export products and want the country to stay GMO-free. They add for almost 30 years, Japanese farmers have not grown GM crops due to consumer opposition. Consumers Union of Japan Cibus raises new concerns about effectiveness of its gene-editing technology The gene-editing firm Cibus Inc., which made it onto a prestigious list of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024”, has raised significant new concerns about the effectiveness of its gene-editing technology. Investment magazine Stock Titan reports that Cibus has "issued a significant correction regarding previously reported rice gene editing conversion rates. The company acknowledged that the previously announced rates of 10-25% in rice have not been reconfirmed, citing high variability in conversion rate data from subsequent experiments." Stock Titan adds, "The high variability in results suggests underlying technical challenges with their oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis (ODM) technology, potentially affecting their ability to deliver consistent results to customers. This setback could significantly impact Cibus's ability to secure new licensing agreements, as seed companies typically require robust and reproducible evidence of technology effectiveness before committing to partnerships." GMWatch comment: We've been told by a plant breeder that "we all know ODM doesn't work". While Cibus has been promoted by GMO lobbyists as an industry leader for gene-edited crops, there have been reports that the company is being investigated for deceiving investors with over-hyped claims. GMWatch comment on article in Stock Titan Kellogg/Kellanova won't phase out glyphosate Kellanova, previously the Kellogg Company, in 2024 dropped its commitment to phase out glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant, a practice that can dramatically increase harmful pesticide residues in foods. Without a measurable pesticide reduction goal, Kellanova remains vulnerable to greenwashing claims and fails to promote long-term resiliency across its supply chain. Corporate responsibility shareholder advocate As You Sow commented, "Without a measurable pesticide reduction goal, Kellanova remains vulnerable to greenwashing claims and fails to promote long-term resiliency across its supply chain... Competitors are already taking action to reduce, assess, and report pesticide risk." As You Sow We hope you’ve found this newsletter interesting. Please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you! __________________________________________________________ Website: http://www.gmwatch.org
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