Genetically modified organisms

Small-colony variants (SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus represent a slow-growing subpopulation causing chronic and relapsing infections due to their physiological adaptation on an intracellular lifestyle. In this first proteomic study on physiological changes associated with a natural, clinically derived SCV, its proteomic profile was investigated in comparison to corresponding isogenic strains displaying normal (clinical wild-type strain, complemented hemB mutant and spontaneous revertant of the clinical SCV) and SCV phenotypes (hemB mutant and gentamicin-induced SCV). Applying an ultra-high resolution chromatography and high mass accuracy MS(E) -based label-free relative and absolute protein quantification approach, the whole cytoplasmic proteome of this strain sextet was investigated in a growth phase-controlled manner covering early-exponential, late-exponential and stationary phases. Of 1019 cytoplasmic proteins identified, 154 were found to be differently regulated between strains. All SCV phenotypes showed down-regulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-related proteins and of a protein cluster involved in purine/pyrimidine and folate metabolism. In contrast to hemB mutant and gentamicin-induced SCVs, the clinically derived SCVs showed no prominent up-regulation of glycolytic proteins. The spontaneous switch into the normal phenotype resulted in up-regulation of TCA cycle-related parts, while oxidative stress-related proteins were down-regulated. However, the natural revertant from the clinical SCV retained also dominant protein features of the clinical SCV phenotype. In conclusion, physiological changes between normal and SCV S. aureus phenotypes are more complex than reflected by defined electron transport chain-interrupting mutants and their complemented counterparts.

The vascular pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is responsible for bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. Pathogenicity of this bacterium is dependent on plasmid-borne virulence factors and serine proteases located on the chromosomal chp/tomA pathogenicity island (PAI). In this study, colonization patterns and movement of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis during tomato infection was examined using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled strain. A plasmid expressing GFP in C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis was constructed and found to be stable in planta for at least 1 month. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) of inoculated stems showed that the pathogen extensively colonizes the lumen of xylem vessels and preferentially attaches to spiral secondary wall thickening of the protoxylem. Acropetal movement of the wild-type strain C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis NCPPB382 (Cmm382) in tomato resulted in an extensive systemic colonization of the whol...

Modern biotechnology has led to the development and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) for agriculture and other purposes. Regulators at the national level are increasingly depending on risk assessment as a tool for assessing potential adverse effects of LMOs on the environment and human health. In addition, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an international agreement expected to enter into force in the near future, requires risk assessment as the basis for decision-making regarding import of some LMOs. While LMO risk assessment is relatively new, there are other risk assessment disciplines which have developed over longer time periods. The field of assessment of the environmental and human health risks of chemicals is particularly well developed, and is similar in application to LMO risk assessment. This paper aims to draw lessons for LMO risk assessment from the vast experience with chemical risk assessment. Seven general principles are outlined which should serve as a use...

Este trabajo aborda un episodio muy polémico e ilustrativo que ha tenido lugar en el complejo ciencia y tecnología propio de las sociedades occidentales contemporáneas. Se muestra así que en el debate general sobre las posibles consecuencias humanas y ambientales adversas derivadas de la libre proliferación mundial de los alimentos transgénicos confluyen posiciones científicas y técnicas muy divergentes e incluso claramente enfrentadas y contradictorias. En virtud de la tensión esencial entre un enfoque más tradicional y conservador frente a una perspectiva más innovadora y revolucionaria, se analiza cómo un reconocido y prestigioso experto en este campo de conocimiento pudo convertirse en muy poco tiempo en un profesional deshabilitado de su puesto de trabajo y en un investigador en gran medida desacreditado y desautorizado.

This paper provides a thorough research about the genetically modified foods and whether or not they are safe for human consumption as well as their impact on animals and the environment. The paper further provides an analysis about the health implication and environmental consequences of using and consuming the GMOs. Moreover, the paper explores both the arguments against and for the genetically modified foods; that is, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of this method to reach a conclusion of whether or not the genetically modified foods are safe. After exploring and shedding the light on both arguments – the pros and cons – we can raise the question of whether or not the GMOs are safe for life and health.

The use of mobile phones is everywhere and the mobile users must face the burden of carrying the chargers. Wireless
mobile charging ensures safety from shock as well as ensures increased convenience and protects the electronics from corrosion
as there is no exposure to atmosphere. A model is designed and simulated in LTSpice software, which provides five volts DC at
the output with current around one ampere. The model comprises of a transformer, transmitter and receiver.

Public opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains strong. By contrast, studies demon- strate again and again that GM crops make a valuable contribution to the development of a sustainable type of agriculture. The discrepancy between public opinion and the scientific evidence requires an explanation. We argue that intuitive expectations about the world render the human mind vulnerable to particular misrepresentations of GMOs. We explain how the involvement of particular intuitions accounts for the popularity, persistence, and typical features of GM opposition and tackle possible objections to our approach. To conclude, we discuss the implications for science education, science communica- tion, and the environmental movement.

GM crops have been formed by altering the genetic makeup of traditional crop varieties. High profit margin, easy maintenance, potential to resist environmental changes has fascinated farmers to adapt these crops. In India more than 14 different research centers have been committed for the development of different GMO plants with Bt-Cotton, Bt-Brinjal being introduced in Indian markets.
Methods either based upon vector or direct (vector less) gene transfer has been used as a gene delivery system to produce transformed plant varieties. Suitable selectable marker genes are used to specifically identify the recombinants from the non recombinant ones.
The ever increase population size, development of resistant varieties, shrinking of fertile land and water resources have hampered food supply globally. GM crops could be looked upon as an important alternative in providing food security, simultaneously economically strengthening our farmers and reducing their dependency on nature (rainfall, etc). GM crops have also been used as a source of oil, sugar, paper, biofuel, etc.
Researchers indicated the risk of genetic transformation through GM crops into the native varieties. These genes could provide a selective advantage to organisms and could give rise to pandemic diseases. Moreover novel proteins could provoke allergic response, auto immune disorders or could be toxic to infants, elderly population.
The criticism to GM crops can only be coped up with stringent testing under greenhouses with different environmental conditions (biotic & abiotic variations) to check out the least possibility of gene transformations. Scientists must limit the transfer of foreign genes into pollen grains and chloroplast as well as develop minimal cassette systems. Centralized testing facilities should be developed across the globe and unbiased results should be published ensuring safety and security of our future generations.

The Organic Food Industry : How can we get to Increase Sales Profits and Reduce Cost of Organic Food

Abstract :The aims of the Business Research Project are related to the organic food industry and how can we get to increase organic food sales and reduce cost in today’s market. Today genetically modified food and the typical agriculture growth food that contains pesticides and herbicides is confronting the organic food business and at the same time is the leading cause of different diseases around the world. These main aspects that the organic food industry is facing is turning and giving positive feedback on the organic food sector by making people to purchase more organic groceries for being healthier and more environmental friendly.

The Business Research project objectives to be achieved are:

To develop different strategies that will helps to answer “ How can we get to increase organic food sales and reduce cost of organic food in today’s market’’.

To analyze Porters fives forces for getting to identify the attractiveness of the organic food industry in terms of 5 competitive forces.

To get to understand if the strategies that are going to be implemented after the Porters Five forces are profitable for a successful in the organic food business.

There is no satisfactory legal remedy for farmers whose farm has been contaminated by genetically modified (GM) material. This is a deficiency of Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000 and it has not been remedied. In the Marsh v Baxter case (2010-2016) an organic farm in Western Australia (WA) was contaminated with GM canola from a neighbouring farm. The organic farm lost its certification (along with the price premium for organic produce). The organic farmer (Marsh) sued the GM farmer (Baxter) for the agreed damages of A$85,000. The case was lost in the WA Supreme Court, then in the Court of Appeal, and finally it was rejected by the High Court of Australia. The legal fees were in the order of A$2,000,000, which is quite disproportionate to the agreed loss. A Parliamentary Inquiry (2017-2019) in WA examined “Mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to farmers in Western Australia caused by contamination by genetically modified material”. There were 121 submissions to the Inquiry and 22 public hearings. Seven ‘mechanisms’ were considered: (i) Do nothing; (ii) a GM Levy; (iii) a GM Technology Licence Bond; (iv) Non-GM farmer Insurance; (v) GM farmer Insurance; (vi) a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) GM Scheme; and, (vii) the Government pays. After its deliberations, the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs did not recommend any change from the present unsatisfactory state of affairs where reliance on the common law offers no effective protection for non-GM farmers against contamination by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (as witnessed in the Marsh v Baxter case). The ‘Do nothing’ option, which was supported by Monsanto and pro-GM farmer groups, prevailed. This paper explores the context and content of the Parliamentary Inquiry, presents the six proposed proactive options for compensation (of which only four appeared in the Inquiry Report), and the twelve findings of the Inquiry. Ultimately the Committee was timid where it might have been bold. The Inquiry was a lost opportunity for righting a known wrong. The Inquiry outcome will ensure that GM-farming remains a very contentious issue in WA and continues to lack any semblance of a social licence. However, the WA Parliamentary Inquiry (in toto, viz. the submissions, the hearings, and the Report) provides a rich trove of views and material for legislators and regulators in other jurisdictions who face the exact same issue of GM contaminations.

This paper examines the threat posed by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to organic agriculture and certification. In the case of Marsh v Baxter an organic farm in Western Australia is contaminated by GMO material including seeds and seed pods blown from a neighbouring farm and the organic certification is lost. This paper presents a five-year chronology of events and the processes, outcomes and costs of seeking legal redress, of proving negligence and/or nuisance, and of seeking damages and an injunction to constrain the GMO farmer. Damages are agreed at A$85,000 (€60,000) while legal costs are in the region of A$2,000,000 (€1,400,000) to date.

The current conception of organic farming—as an agricultural production system based on ecological understanding and management with third-party certification, in contrast to one reliant upon external inputs, particularly synthetic agrichemicals and fertilizer—is the result of nearly a century of intellectual thought and dialogue, field observations and experiences, systematic experimentation, and codification of rules. Debates on the current and future viability of organic farming often focus on its capacity to produce sufficient food to meet the demands of a growing human population. And yet any thorough examination of the pros and cons of alternative farming approaches should consider much more – like the side effects on soil, water and air; energy and land-use efficiency; global warming potential; conservation of biodiversity; waste generation and recycling in the food system; farmer and community well-being; animal welfare; and the capacity to function and meet demands long into the future.

Today, organic farming is widely acknowledged as a viable alternative to conventional production under many conditions and certified organic foods are increasingly sought out by consumers concerned about environmental issues and human health. Considerable research supports the validity of such consumer choices. Organic products typically contain lower levels of pesticides and antibiotics, soil quality is generally improved and water pollution reduced on organic farms, and biodiversity is often greater in organic production systems compared to their conventional counterparts. And crops once thought to be impossible to raise organically are now widely found on grocery store shelves.

There is also research, however, that shows some of the trade-offs in productivity and efficiency that accompany the adoption of organic farming. Such systems often do not match conventional agriculture in measures such as in yield per unit of land or per unit of labor as well as in costs of production (not including externalities). As a consequence, prices premiums are often needed to make production economically viable for farmers. Higher prices, of course, put some products out of reach for lower income families and communities, prompting criticism by some that organic farming is elitist. Organic standards today also may not explicitly or sufficiently address important public concerns about climate change, animal welfare and the quality of life provided to farmers, farm workers and others in the supply chain.

It’s important to recognize that organic agriculture is evolving. Rather than a static set of rules, the requirements, technologies, inputs and management practices comprising organic farming change as our understanding improves, new technologies become available, and the stakeholders involved with the political process that governs certification amend the rules. Research and debate today will help to shape organic farming in the future.

The chapters in this book represent perspectives on organic farming and food systems from widely different academic disciplines and different regions of the world. They include replicated field experiments, modelling, systems analysis, case studies and literature reviews. They address issues from the field-plot scale, like resource-use efficiency in crop production, to the resilience of entire national food systems. Some chapters tackle controversial topics in organic farming, like aquaculture and the use of genetically modified organisms. And some authors focus on the challenges to producers, while others examine consumer behavior and the education of the next generation of decision-makers in the food system – children.

This book is comprised of three sections. Authors in the first section – Performance of Organic Farming – examine how well organic production systems meet environmental, economic and social objectives and how performance might be improved. In the second section – Farming to Food Systems – the focus expands beyond crop and livestock production to consider other players forming food supply chains. The last section – Beyond Organic: Shaping Future Farming and Food Systems – delves into some vigorously debated topics that have the potential to shape future farming and food systems.

Two decades ago, few would have envisioned the expansion of organic farming and the dramatic growth in organic food sales that has occurred since then. Likewise, predictions about the state organic food and farming decades from now would be fraught with uncertainty. Still, the improved understanding we gain from the contributions of researchers today influence production practices and shape food-system policies tomorrow. The findings, interpretations, and ideas shared in this book will likely generate as many questions as answers, but asking the relevant and difficult questions is as critical as finding the right answers. This diverse group of authors makes interesting and useful contributions to our ongoing conversations about food, agriculture and the evolution of organic farming.

The proposal for adoption of the 5g mobile phones together with its underlying technologies is reviewed and the real agenda behind its introduction has been explicated. It is elucidated that the reason for the inception of the 5g technology has nothing to do with our "Good Samaritan's" Corporatocracy to award humanity with a new level of convenience and comfort that may be backed up by good or new advanced technology in light of progress. In contrast, the real agenda behind its introduction, in the long run, has everything to do with transforming our solar organic consciousness in favor of a cybernetic-transhumanist society, in conformance with protecting the negative alien's interest to further subjugate us to 'unconsciousness enslavement.' This way, humanity can be more directly 'controlled' to conform to a model of a hive-like society much like Star Trek's so-called "Borg Collective" to suit the parasitic-vampiric needs of the negative aliens. And, this is why it is being proposed that there should be smart cells at localized control towers installed on every lamp post or building in the urban areas to interface with what is now portrayed as "ultrafast" 5g mobile users who would benefit from its redundant features of "high efficiency data transfer" and "small latency," and more congruent with the need of a machine-like transhumanist-cybernetic collective as opposed to solar consciousness beings whose organic health-environment would be gravely endangered by inception of the EMF radiation produced and propagated everywhere by such a technology. Introduction • Telecommunications companies hope to debut the first commercial 5G networks in the early 2020s. • And, the new masterminds of this artificial technology promise a package under the disguise of "ultrafast 5G service," with the primary attractive and sexy feature of "ultralow latency," and "record-breaking speeds and high efficiency data transfer," which is to be commonly utilized by humanity in the next five years. • Companies and industry groups contend that 5G will handle far more traffic at much higher speeds than the base stations that make up today's cellular networks. • 5g promises to be based on brand-new technologies. • To understand how 5G will differ from today's 4G networks, it is helpful to review 5 newly proposed technologies classified under "millimeter waves," "small cells," "massive MIMO," "full duplex," and "beamforming," and consider exactly what each will signify for human wireless users. • And, besides the 5G technology, future smartphone users, VR gamers, and autonomous cars are to be equipped with a wireless network that can be used on an everyday basis. • So, let us start by reviewing some basic background on 5G technology.

Most (85%) of the global genetically modified organism (GMO) agriculture is accounted for by just four countries in North and South America. The ‘big four’ of the GM world are USA  (with 40% of the global GMO hectares), followed by Brazil (26%), Argentina (12%), and Canada (7%). The world total of GMO agriculture is 189.8 million hectares from a total of 24 countries. The number of countries planting GMOs peaked in 2010, at 29 countries, and has been progressively declining year by year since then. Most countries (88%) have no GMO hectares. Australia is just a vestigial presence on the map of World GMO Agriculture. Of the global total hectares of GMO agriculture, Australia accounts for 774,000 hectares, comprising 492,000 ha of GM canola and 282,000 ha of GM cotton. Australia’s share of global GMO hectares is 0.4%, and is declining. Australia’s GMO agriculture accounts for 0.2% of Australia’s total agriculture hectares. The map of World GMO Agriculture is dominated by North and South America. Asia has a modest presence, led by India (cotton), Pakistan (cotton) and China (cotton, papaya). Africa has a diminutive presence led by South Africa (corn, soy, cotton). Just four GMO crops account for almost all (more than 99%) of GMO agriculture hectares. The ‘big four’ of GM crops are: GM soy (50%), GM corn (31%, GM cotton (13%), and GM canola (5%). Most of the world’s GMOs are herbicide tolerant (e.g. to glyphosate). USA leads the world with 12 GMO crops, Canada follows with six GM crops. Other countries have just three GM crops (n=5 countries), or two (n=5), or just one (n=12). Russia is a GMO-free country and has ambitions to be a lead exporter of organic produce and to reap the organic premium.

In September 2006, a WTO dispute settlement panel issued its long-awaited decision in favor of the United States in the dispute between the U.S. and the European Union over genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The ruling was based on narrow procedural grounds, and did not resolve the controversy over the safety of GMOs, over the right of countries to regulate GMOs more stringently than conventional products, or over the consistency of the EU's GMO regulatory regime with WTO requirements. The debate over GMOs continues unabated. Unfortunately, the high profile dispute between the U.S. and the EU has eclipsed the important debate in the developing world over the socioeconomic implications of this technology. While scientific uncertainty continues to impede efforts to reach consensus on the human health and environmental impacts of GMOs, the socioeconomic perils of biotechnology in developing countries are becoming increasingly evident. Regrettably, the trade and environmental agreements governing the transboundary movement of GMOs privilege science as the arbiter of trade disputes to the exclusion of other forms of normative discourse. With limited exceptions, socioeconomic considerations may not be used to justify GMO trade restrictions. Using environmental justice as an analytical framework, this article examines the unique risks and benefits of biotechnology for developing countries, and places the debate over biotechnology in the context of the historic and ongoing controversy between developed and developing countries over the rules governing trade in conventional agricultural products. It concludes by proposing alternative regulatory strategies designed to ensure that international trade law promotes rather than frustrates environmental protection, the human right to food, and the promotion of sustainable economic development.

En esta investigación abordo desde la perspectiva sociológica el problema sustantivo de las relaciones entre la ciencia, la tecnología y la sociedad. Inicialmente, presento el interrogante teórico principal y relato el estado de la cuestión y de la discusión en el estudio de las relaciones existentes entre la ciencia, la tecnología y la sociedad. Después, muestro los objetivos, la hipótesis de trabajo, la metodología y las características generales de un objeto de estudio empíricamente relevante como lo es la controversia desatada en torno a la supuesta viabilidad de los organismos modificados genéticamente. Seguidamente, expongo cómo los distintos productos y prácticas derivados del paradigma dominante de la nueva ingeniería genética influyen en el devenir de las actuales sociedades occidentales. Inversamente y con posterioridad, analizo cómo los diversos factores sociales, políticos y económicos posibilitan y condicionan la creación y el desarrollo supuestamente lógico e interno de estos productos y procedimientos. Por último, me interrogo acerca de cómo es posible que, cuando menos de momento, no se haya asistido a un cierre dialogado y consensuado de esta misma polémica fundamental. En concreto, examino los tres modelos interpretativos que se demuestran más relevantes y clarificadores. Así, la posible clausura futura de esta polémica podría ser básicamente racional y empírica, principalmente interesada y sujeta a nítidas e intensas relaciones de fuerza, o esencialmente cultural y valorativa. Con lo cual, una de las cuestiones sociológicas más importantes no consiste en dilucidar qué posición científica y técnica posee más o menos razón o verdad sino en esclarecer cómo desde la mirada sociológica más crítica y reflexiva puede comprenderse y explicarse plausiblemente la existencia y la persistencia de unas posiciones científicas y técnicas tan divergentes e incluso contradictorias sobre el diagnóstico, la evaluación y la regulación de las posibles consecuencias humanas y ambientales adversas derivadas de la libre proliferación mundial de los organismos modificados genéticamente.

Genetically modified ("GMO") corn germinates legal controversies in México. Since 2013, Mexican courts have temporarily suspended GMO corn because it threatens biodiversity. In the Colectividad del Maíz lawsuit, courts have prohibited México from issuing commercial GMO permits while the litigation continues. Companies like Monsanto need these permits to sell GMO seeds. Corn is the most essential food item for millions of Mexicans and is central to Mexican culture. Mexicans wait for Colectividad del Maíz's resolution, siding with biodiversity or GMOs. This Article describes scientific GMO controversies and analyzes biosecurity, class-action, and international environmental law. It argues that this corn fight feeds larger moral questions about biotechnology and México's sovereignty. Courts and policy makers respond to these controversies with their sovereign powers. Decolonial theory shows how assumptions about economics, law, and ideology rooted in historical colonial structures-"coloniality"-shape these responses. This Article illustrates the significance of coloniality to how the government responds to GMOs, at a time when GMO safety is increasingly questioned in México and elsewhere.

There is no inherently “healthy” state of ecosystems except when viewed from the perspective of societal values.  Pristine ecosystems (e.g., wilderness watersheds, Antarctica, uninhabited tundra) are certainly very different than highly altered ecosystems (e.g., farms, city parks, harbors), but neither a pristine ecosystem nor a highly altered ecosystem is scientifically better or worse — just different.

The genetically modified (GM) canola grown in Western Australia (WA) is glyphosate resistant. It has been grown in WA since 2010, when an exemption under the WA GM Moratorium was declared. The price penalty for GM canola (compared to non GM canola) is 7.2% based on the past five years of price data from two WA receival depots (Albany and Kwinana). The average annual price penalty for GM canola varied from a low of 5.3% ($29 per tonne in the 2017/18 season at Kwinana) to a high of 9.2% ($49 per tonne in the 2015/16 season at Albany). WA GM canola has a lower oil content (e.g. 46.9% versus 48.4%) and a higher moisture content (e.g. 5.5% versus 5.3%) than non GM canola. It is suggested that the price penalty for GM canola in WA would be greater if the segregation, phytosanitary and cleaning regimes were more stringent, rather than tolerating 0.9% contamination by GMOs for WA’s so called ‘non GM canola’. In the future, the price penalty for GMOs may be higher as consumers and purchasers become aware that what has been passed off as ‘canola’ is GM canola. The Canola Receival Standards make no mention that 0.9% contamination of non GM canola (CAN1) by GMOs is tolerated. As markets tighten up their tolerance of GM contamination, the risk is that WA’s so called ‘non GM canola’ suffers market exclusions.

Este capítulo analiza las principales estrategias que
se han empleado para la diseminación de normas europeas y estadounidenses
relativas a la mercantilización de semillas en América
Latina, tomando como casos de estudio a Colombia y Argentina,
y las razones por las cuales este proceso está teniendo un impacto desproporcionado sobre las comunidades rurales locales en términos de desigualdades socioambientales.

The Tasmanian GMO Moratorium has served the interests of the state well. The ‘clean and green’ image of Tasmania continues to grow from strength to strength. This branding is underpinned by consumer, visitor, and investor perceptions. These perceptions continue to be validated by Tasmania’s GMO Moratorium. GMOs are a technology without a social licence and are a cause for social friction. They are not wanted by consumers. They attract a price penalty in the market place, and they contaminate non-GM farms and the food chain. The two GM crops in Australia are GM canola and GM cotton. The former is in decline (5% per year) and the latter is in decline (down 53% from the peak of 2010) and exhibits a highly volatile and erratic pattern of uptake. The relaxation of the WA Moratorium in Western Australia in 2010 (and subsequent relinquishment) has meant that there is now no GM-free canola available in WA. The so-called non GM canola (which is most of the WA canola) is contaminated by GM canola up to 0.9%, and the non GM canola seed sold to WA farmers is contaminated by GM up to 0.5%. It is claimed by GM advocates in WA that successful segregation is “impossible” (and they may be right). GM canola is a crop dependent on the herbicide glyphosate. The application of glyphosate is a required part of the production cycle for GM canola. Glyphosate is a carcinogen that also causes multigenerational disease and adverse health outcomes. Tasmania can produce premium quality food and be rewarded with premium prices. This can achieve the agricultural goals and aspirations of the State. Organic food is the ‘gold standard’ for premium food and attracts price premiums of 100%, and more. The global organic market is undersupplied and this is an opportunity for Tasmania (and others). Australia is the world leader in organics uptake, and Tasmania is well placed to grow its organic sector. GMOs are a threat to organic farming. It is recommended that the GMO Moratorium is retained and continued in perpetuity (i.e. renewed without a sunset and review clause). In this way producers and investors have a degree of certainty that can encourage investment in growth and marketing of Tasmanian produce as ‘clean and green, and as premium and GM-free. Seventeen reasons for maintaining Tasmania’s GMO Moratorium are presented.

La biotecnología, como cualquier nueva rama tecnológica, conlleva necesariamente una contradictoria amalgama de riesgos y oportunidades. La experiencia indica que todo cambio tecnológico tiene, a largo plazo, un balance positivo. Sin embargo, muchas sociedades parecen no estar dispuestas a pagar el precio de los errores medioambientales sufridos durante más de dos siglos de industria química, un siglo de petro-química y cincuenta años de energía nuclear. En el caso de la biotecnología se pretende articular un sistema "precautorio" que evite en lo posible cualquier tipo de riesgo,conjugado con un sistema de responsabilidad ambiental que garantice un resarcimiento total y completo del medio mediante la vuelta a su estado anterior del siniestro. Este libro trata de estos mecanismos y su impacto en la graduación de la responsabilidad; y en los posibles productos de seguro que para cubrir tales riesgos se pueden derivar.