Protecting Niigata rice


Niigata rice Posted by Picasa

This summer, a group of Niigata mayors have passed resolutions to halt field trial of Genetically Modified (GM) rice. CBIC, a Japanese NGO, explains: "Rice is the staple food for people in Japan. Consumers and farmers together with local communities have been and are working very seriously to put a stop to GM rice open-air field trials."

Another group called GMR-Watch Center is a citizens' organization working for the prevention of research and development, industrial production, and commercial sale of genetically modified rice (GMR) that they say has serious adverse effects on the Japanese diet and local agriculture.

In 2001, 580,000 signatures and citizen's protest stopped the development and commercialization of anti-herbicide GM rice developed through collaboration of Aichi prefecture and Monsanto. This triggered withdrawal of private businesses from GM rice and crops development.

In 2003, 400,000 signatures and citizen's protest stopped GM rice development by Iwate prefecture. Protesting movements were initiated in Hokkaido, Kagawa, Ibaraki prefectures where field trials of GM rice took place. As a result, almost all prefectural GM crop developments were terminated in Japan.

Well done!

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Comments

thinkingcrowd said…
Great info Martin. I don't think there is much awareness of GM products by customers in Japan. And, there doesn't seem to be much idea of how dangerous pesticides and fertilizers can be to the average consumer in Japan. If you have any access to comparative information on Japan's use of pest/fertilizers please provide! Living in Niigata I always wonder how safe the food that is provided really is for myself and my family.
8:55 am, April 27, 2006
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