Golden Rice: Debunking Greenpeace’s ‘misinformed and politically motivated’ claims against the vitamin-enhanced GMO crop

greenpeace activity
Image: Luis liwanag/Greenpeace

The campaign against GR2E was partly misinformed, partly politically motivated.

One argument is that the benefits of GR2E are too little. But this isn’t the case at all. Several studies have shown that GR2E provides enough Vitamin A to combat VAD with a minimal amount of rice, just over half a cup a day.

Detractors also offer alternative sources for Vitamin A such as sweet potatoes, but such foods are not available in all seasons or affordable to everyone. Contrary to popular belief, carrots do not have as much Vitamin A as one would think.

Greenpeace is probably the biggest critic of any GM crop developed. Its primary argument is that the crop does not benefit farmers, only commercial enterprises. But data disproves this. GR2E has a cap of commercial use set at $10,000. Farmers or any consumers are allowed to plant and replant this crop as long as they don’t exceed this amount in profits. Farmers are also allowed to keep the seeds and replant them. Furthermore, licences are free as well.

Editor’s note: Learn more at the GLP’s FAQ on Golden Rice

Read full, original post: This is how GM crop Golden Rice could solve Vitamin-A deficiency in Asia

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