PLANET IN PERIL

CBC Radio - Regina University of Saskatchewan Biologist Christy Morrissey is raising some early flags about Neonicotinoids, a controversial family of pesticide used for crops like canola and wheat. She shares her findings with Sheila Coles of CBC Regina. Full story here.

Center for Food Safety The Center for Food Safety has denounced the Canadian government’s decision to approve commercial production of genetically modified (GM) salmon eggs on Prince Edward’s Island (PEI). Full story here.

Winnipeg Free Press BEIJING, China - China has rejected 545,000 tons of imported U.S. corn found to contain an unapproved GM strain, the country's product safety agency announced Friday. Details here.

Mother Jones In Chaco , birth defects quadrupled in the decade after biotechnology dramatically expanded farming in Argentina. Details here.

Manitoba Organic Alliance Ontario’s Minister of the Environment has denied a request for an environmental assessment of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa. The request for an assessment was made by two farmers in Ontario, on behalf of many. The Minister decided that "a new provincial regulation making activities on the sale and distribution of GM seed subject to the EAA [Environmental Assessment Act] would overlap with the existing federal regulation. Therefore, the public interest does not warrant an EBR [Environmental Bill of Rights] review by the ministry." Read the  decision summary Read the  request for an environmental assessment Related:   Canada Kills Genetically Modified Alfalfa - at Least for Now

GEO Watch Judge rules that GMOs are imminent threat. Monsanto, Pioneer, prohibited from marketing transgenic seed. Full story here. PLT photo

This year’s World Food Prize will be awarded to top executives at Monsanto and Syngenta for creating GE crops.  GE crops are about feeding the profits of biotech giants, not the world’s hungry. 

Fast-tracked Legislation to Allow Sterile Seeds Would Harm Farmers, Food Security. Full story here.

Organic Consumers Association The biotech industry is trying to revive Golden Rice in the consciousness of the public, even though it still remains a largely theoretical product. In the absense of any real news on a crop that hasn't gained traction in more than a decade, the move looks more like an act of desperation than a legitimate defence of biotechnology. Details here.

National Farmers Union Two farmers have formally asked the Ontario government to carry out an environmental assessment of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa before the seed is sold in the province. Today, they launched an application under Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights, the first ever request relating to the issue of GM crops.

the Farmacy Though the controlled corporate media apparatus is suppressing the story, 40 tons of GMO crops were torched, prompting an FBI investigation. Full story here.

Winnipeg Free Press - Laura Rance New study finds nothing impressive about yields. Full story here. Seed pods in a GM canola field in Manitoba. PLT photo.

delaware online The ranks of those who believe they are the latter, are growing.  Full story here. A field of wheat, blowing in the breeze. A PLT video.

Tonu - Tony Mitra Bt. Cotton enters India through the backdoor.  Details here.

Common Dreams Monsanto claimed Wednesday that the Oregon field found last week to be contaminated with Monsanto's unapproved GM wheat was an "isolated" incident, and that it was likely either the result of an accident or "sabotage." However, scientists warned Thursday that the biotech giant's denial has many holes. Details here. Related: Illegal GM Wheat Contamination Discovered in US

Investigative Reporting Denmark Monsanto will halt production of genetically modified corn in all of Europe, except Spain, Portugal and Czech republic. The agribusiness multinational resolves not to spend any more money on trials, development, marketing, court cases or     PLT photo.                                                                   anything else to get GM corn accepted in Europe. Full story here.                                 

Canadian Biotechnology Action Network The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that Monsanto’s unapproved genetically modified (GM, also called genetically engineered) herbicide tolerant wheat was found growing in a farmer’s field in the state of Oregon. Details here. A field of non-GM wheat  in Canada. PLT photo. Related stories: Scientists Find Holes In Monsanto GM Wheat Denial . Japan halts imports of U.S. wheat after USDA's shock finding of genetic pollution from GMOs

the guardian Organisers celebrate huge global turnout and say they will continue until Monsanto and other GM manufacturers listen… Details here.