This research project examines the degree of transparency of the Canadian Federal Government’s decision-making processes and institutions with respect to the human consumption of animals produced through modern biotechnology (biotechnology-produced animals). It provides a timely study of the Federal Government’s decision-making process; as of January 2013 the government has yet to determine whether, and how, biotechnology-produced animals are to be approved for human consumption. Foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are already commercially widely available in Canada. Research is well underway to see if biotechnology-produced animals may also be developed and introduced into the food system. Government decisions regarding the human consumption of biotechnology-produced animals have the potential to revolutionize food systems globally and nationally. This thesis offers an analysis of primary and secondary data focusing on the degree of federal transparency with respect to regulating GMO foods generally and, more specifically, the emerging policy issues around biotechnology-produced animals. This exploration sets the stage for the following investigation of barriers as well as opportunities to fostering federal transparency with respect to policy and regulatory decisions regarding GMO foods. Findings are directed towards members of the communities of interest who are interested in questions relating to the degree of federal transparency and government approaches to foods that contain material produced through modern biotechnology.

In recent years, foods produced by genetic engineering technology have been on the world food market. The biosafety aspects, regulations, and labelling of these foods are still contentious issues in most countries. It is necessary to have approval for the use of GMOs in the production of food. Thus, detection and quantification of GMOs play crucial role for developing regulations on GM foods. In this study, raw and processed maize samples were analysed for genetic modification using a DNA based detection method, the Polymerase Chain Reaction. Ten raw food and 18 processed maize food including maize flour, starch, corn flakes, maize chips were collected from different markets located in different places in Turkey. The samples were examined for the presence of genetic elements located in the majority of transgenic crops such as NOS terminator, CaMV 35S promoter, kanamycin resistance (KanR) gene, using conventional PCR with oligonucleotide sets targeting to novel genes. Furthermore screening was conducted via Real-Time PCR assay for NOS terminator and 35S promoter. For confirming the presence of Bt11 maize lines event specific primers were utilised. Quantification of Bt11 maize lines were performed via Real-Time PCR. The result indicates that foreign genetic elements were found in all analysed raw material. In six out of 10 raw material, presence of Bt11 gene were identified. GMO detection was also possible for maize flour and starch, however in processed material as corn starch, corn flakes, corn chips and pop corn, transgenes were not detected.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed Oct. 10, 2007). PDF text: xv, 325 p. : ill. UMI publication number: AAT 3258775. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- Lincoln University, 2006.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim and function of this paper is to provide a balanced account of how the media, international and South African, have dealt with the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A selection of interviews, presentations, articles, transcripts and published reports forms the background of this interpretation, and offers insight into the history of the technology, the major role players, the legislation required and implemented, the question of environmental accountability, and the power of the media's influence. It addresses aspects of the causal relationship between the media and public understanding, and the subsequent power of the consumer as manifested by the perception of risk. The central theme of genetic engineering conjures up a variety of meanings and applications, and the plethora of available information is evaluated in an attempt to develop informed understanding for reporters covering the many dimensions of this development within the arena of science and technology. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie verhandeling is om 'n ewewigtige oorsig te verstrek van hoe die media - Suid-Afrikaans sowel as internasionaal - die kwessie van geneties gemodifiseerde organismes gehanteer het. 'n Seleksie onderhoude, aanbiedinge, artikels, transkripsies, en gepubliseerde verslae vorm die basis van hierdie interpretasie, en verskaf 'n insig in die geskiedenis van die tegnologie, die belangrike rolspelers, nodige en géimplementeerde wetgewing, die vraag van omgewingstoerekenbaarheid, en die mag van die media se invloed. Dit spreek aspekte aan van die kousale verwantskap tussen die media en begrip deur die algemene publiek, en die daaropvolgende mag van die verbruiker, soos dit duidelik word in hulle insig in en begrip van die risiko-faktor. Die sentrale tema van genetiese modifisering bring te voorskyn 'n verskeidenheid betekenisse en aanwendings; en 'n oorsig van die massa beskikbare inligting word hier aangebied in 'n poging om aan verslaggewers ingeligte begrip aan te bied van die veelsydige omvang van die ontwikkeling van genetiese modifisering in die gebied van wetenskap en tegnologie.

No description available.

Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab was approved for release in South Africa for control of Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in 1998. During 2012, a stacked Bt maize event, expressing Cry2Ab2 + Cry1A.105, was also approved for control of these abovementioned pests. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two Bt maize events expressing Cry1Ab (MON810 and Bt11) and a Bt maize event expressing Cry2Ab2 + Cry1A.105 (MON89034) on selected lepidopteran non-target pest species and certain lepidopteran stem borer species in South Africa. Results from previous studies and this study will provide information regarding efficacy of Bt maize against pests which have not been evaluated yet. Insects with significance in maize agro-ecosystems in South Africa as well as the rest of Africa, were prioritised and laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effect of Bt maize against these selected target and non-target pest species. Studies were conducted on three stem borers C. partellus, Eldana saccharina and Sesamia calamistis and three nontarget lepidopteran pest species Agrotis segetum, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exempta. Results showed that MON810 maize was not effective against A. segetum larvae feeding on maize seedlings. Differential levels of survival were observed between two A. segetum populations on MON89034 with a population from Polokwane showing survival on the stacked maize event. No S. exempta 1st instar larvae survived on MON810 and MON89034 but 3rd instar larvae survived on MON810 maize. Helicoverpa armigera larvae survived on ears of MON810 maize plants but not on events MON89034 or Bt 11. Results further indicated that C. partellus larvae were highly susceptible to these three Bt maize events. Larval survival of S. calamistis was recorded for larvae feeding on MON810 and Bt11 maize ears but not on MON89034 maize ears. Bt maize during the vegetative growth stages therefore effectively controlled C. partellus, S. calamistis and E. saccharina but the latter two species was not effectively controlled when feeding on ear tissue. This study provides important information on the effects of Bt maize on the most important non-target pest species of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab was approved for release in South Africa for control of Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in 1998. During 2012, a stacked Bt maize event, expressing Cry2Ab2 + Cry1A.105, was also approved for control of these abovementioned pests. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two Bt maize events expressing Cry1Ab (MON810 and Bt11) and a Bt maize event expressing Cry2Ab2 + Cry1A.105 (MON89034) on selected lepidopteran non-target pest species and certain lepidopteran stem borer species in South Africa. Results from previous studies and this study will provide information regarding efficacy of Bt maize against pests which have not been evaluated yet. Insects with significance in maize agro-ecosystems in South Africa as well as the rest of Africa, were prioritised and laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effect of Bt maize against these selected target and non-target pest species. Studies were conducted on three stem borers C. partellus, Eldana saccharina and Sesamia calamistis and three nontarget lepidopteran pest species Agrotis segetum, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exempta. Results showed that MON810 maize was not effective against A. segetum larvae feeding on maize seedlings. Differential levels of survival were observed between two A. segetum populations on MON89034 with a population from Polokwane showing survival on the stacked maize event. No S. exempta 1st instar larvae survived on MON810 and MON89034 but 3rd instar larvae survived on MON810 maize. Helicoverpa armigera larvae survived on ears of MON810 maize plants but not on events MON89034 or Bt 11. Results further indicated that C. partellus larvae were highly susceptible to these three Bt maize events. Larval survival of S. calamistis was recorded for larvae feeding on MON810 and Bt11 maize ears but not on MON89034 maize ears. Bt maize during the vegetative growth stages therefore effectively controlled C. partellus, S. calamistis and E. saccharina but the latter two species was not effectively controlled when feeding on ear tissue. This study provides important information on the effects of Bt maize on the most important non-target pest species of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Paraguay has a long history of foreign involvement in its rural economy, dating back to even before the War of the Triple Alliance in the 1880’s. Whether it was yerba mate production or timber extraction, Paraguay’s rural activities were largely funded and run by foreign interests, with little room for participation by smallholders. With the growth in production of Genetically Modified (GM) soy, Paraguay continues to follow the same model for development, one of export-oriented agriculture produced primarily with foreign capital. The expansion GM soy in San Pedro, Paraguay is meeting with considerable resistance, though, as smallholders and landless workers claim that the use of the broad spectrum herbicide, glyphosate, threatens their health, land and livelihoods. The contentious debate that has sprung up around this issue has polarized Paraguayan society and oversimplified the problems facing Paraguay’s rural development society. The over-politicization of the conflict has eliminated the space for nuance in finding solutions and room for dialogue. / text

Darbo tikslas: buvo ištirti ekologinių ūkių ūkininkų žinias ir požiūrį į genetiškai modifikuotus organizmus, jų produktus bei galimą riziką aplinkai ir žmonių sveikatai. Metodika: tyrime dalyvavo atsitiktinai atrinkti Lietuvoje sertifikuotų ekologinių ūkių ūkininkai, 18 metų ir vyresni nei 70, turintys įvairią ūkininkavimo patirtį. Apklausoje dalyvavo 188 vyrai ir 114 moterų. Vertinome, kaip atsakymai priklausė nuo ūkininkų amžiaus, ūkininkavimo patirties ir lyties. Skirtumą laikėme reikšmingu, jeigu p <0,05. Rezultatai: darbe buvo tirtos šiandien sparčiai populiarėjančių ekologinių ūkių ūkininkų žinios apie genetiškai modifikuotus produktus, jų poveikį aplinkai ir žmonių sveikatai; palygintas požiūris į GMO su požiūriu į tradicinius ūkius, naudojančius GM pašarus; palyginta ekologiškai ūkininkaujančių žmonių nuomonė su kitų visuomenės apklausų duomenimis apie požiūrį į GM produktus ir jų galimą riziką. Tyrimas parodė, kad 62,5 proc. vyrų ir 51,7 proc. moterų gerai žino kokiuose produktuose yra GMO ingredientų. 60,2 proc. vyrų ir 39,8 proc. moterų teigė, kad pirko tokių maisto produktų. 93 proc. ūkininkų nuomone, GMO ir GM produktai gali būti kenksmingi žmonių sveikatai. 97,3 proc. ūkininkų nuomone, produktai, kurie gaminami iš gyvūnų, šeriamų GM pašarais taip pat turi būti ženklinami. Dalis ūkininkų sutiktų nebesiversti ekologiniu ūkiu ir augintų GM kultūras, jeigu būtų mokamos EB subsidijos. Išvados: apklausa parodė, kad didelė dalis ekologinių ūkių ūkininkų žino... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Aim of the study: to explore the organic farming knowledge and attitudes to genetically modified organisms and their products and the potential risk to the environment and human health. Methods: organic farmers of 18 years and older than 70, with a range of farming practices randomly selected from certified organic farms participated in the study. The survey involved 188 men and 114 women. We evaluated how the answer depends on the farmers' age, farming experience, and gender. The difference was considered as meaningful if p <0.05. Results: the knowledge of organic farmers about genetically modified products and their impact on the environment and human health were tested; the knowledge and approach on GMO were compared with attitude to conventional farms using GM feed; the organic farmers approaches were paralleled with other people's opinion polls on public attitudes to the genetic modified products and their potential risks. 62, 5 % of males and 51, 7 % of females know about products containing GMOs ingredients. 60, 2 % of males and 39, 8 % of females argued that they purchased the products containing ingredients of genetically modified organisms. 93 % of organic farmers indicated that the GMOs and GM products can be harmful to human health. Up to 97, 3 % farmers are of the opinion that meat from GM feed feeding animals should also be labeled. The investigation has revealed that EU subsidies could influence farmers to move from organic to conventional farm... [to full text]