A number of leading scientists in China are preparing a proposal for the State Council to approve the commercial production of genetically modified rice. But despite years of research, opponents of GM foods are still insisting that not enough has been done to prove the crops are safe.
Professor Zhang Qi-fa and his partner, Prof. Lin Yong-jun, have been working on genetically modified rice — which is insect and drought resistant and can dramatically increase crop yields —
at Huanzhong Agricultural University in the city of Wuhan for 15 years. Lin insists GM rice is safe and even made himself a guinea pig. In 1999 Lin says he eats GM rice and has never suffered any ill effects.
“Throughout our research, we double check for any possible flaws, and so far have not found any. We have completed an internal appraisal of its safety.” Lin Yongjun with GM Rice Project at Huazhong Agricultural Univ., said.
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