Genetically Modified Crops

The African Centre for Biodiversity says it is ‘vindicated’ by the landmark ruling from the supreme court of appeal after a nearly decade-long battle

South Africa and Sudan are already seen as frontrunners in applying and using GM technology to accelerate crop production

There is some resistance on the continent and debate on preserving its traditional seed base instead

The prospect of a bumper crop has caused prices to plummet and debts still have to be paid back.

South Africa has been an early adopter on a continent that has been hostile to the corporate power behind genetically modified organisms.

Those in favour point to improved yields, those against say yield is due to management, not crops.

Protesters rallied in dozens of cities on Saturday as part of a protest against seed giant Monsanto and the genetically modified food it produces.

The issue of genetically modified foods has resurfaced, especially with the food shortages in Africa and many countries have embraced the idea.

A "green revolution" leading to much higher crop yields is needed to support the rapidly growing populations of African countries, a think-tank warns.

SA’s genetically modified crop area for the 2010/11 season rose 6% but perceptions make it hard for other African countries to adopt the practice.

South Africa has dumped genetically modified (GM) maize on African markets, the African Centre for Biosafety (ACB) alleged on Friday.

The EU Commission stressed on Thursday that health and environmental factors were foremost in approving genetically modified foodstuffs.

Zeng Yawen’s outdoor laboratory in the hills of southern China is a trove of potential — rice that thrives in cool temperatures or high altitudes.