February 25, 2011: The new annual industry-sponsored report from Friends of the Earth International revealed that cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops across Europe continues to decline – with an increasing number of national bans, and decreasing numbers of hectares dedicated to GMOs. The report, ‘Who Benefits from GM Crops?’ revealed that less than 0.06 per cent of European fields are planted with GM crops – a decline of 23 per cent since 2008.
According to the report, seven member states uphold bans on Monsanto’s GM maize due to growing evidence of its negative environmental impacts. Three countries have banned BASFs GM potato due to health concerns, immediately after its authorization in spring 2010, and for the first time five member states have sued the European Commission over the authorization of a GM crop. Public opposition to GM food and feed has increased to 61 percent Europe wide.
Mute Schimpf, food campaigner for Friends of the Earth Europe said: ‘The widespread opposition to genetically modified crops and foods in Europe continues to rise because consumers and farmers can see that they offer no added value and only additional environmental and health risks.
Globally, the research highlights how even pro-GM Governments in South America have been forced to take steps to mitigate the negative impacts of GMOs on famers, citizens and the environment.
IApril Fool’s Jokes on HPI
HPI
KAUAI, HI, April 2, 2010: Mastodons in temples? Kumbha Mela at the Mississipi? A tax based on the chakras?
In case you did not notice, yesterday’s edition of HPI was an April Fool’s joke. Steve Jobs is a professed Buddhist, Texas has not yet tried to get insects to comply to biblical standards, paperwork in India is still as overwhelming as ever and it seems that, yes, people from the subcontinent can appreciate a good joke and laugh heartily at that. We appreciate all the kind, funny and intelligent messages you sent us about our humble monastic attempts at humor: life is supposed to be lived joyously!