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Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is currently entangled in a row with the South African government more than her strategy to set up a multimillion dollar study laboratory and greenhouses to create genetically modified sorghum.

Prof. Wambugu has received a enormous grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop genetically modified crops, which have proved vital in alleviating food insecurity. Her choice of South Africa stems from the fact that its the only African country with Biosafety laws.

South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has created it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. To now hear a country thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology result in is appalling.

In justifying its decision to suspend Prof. Wambugus project, South Africas agricultural regulatory agencies have claimed that the genetically modified sorghum can contaminate varieties native to Africa. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to placing the cart before the horse.

For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not yet shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she wants to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct investigation on the exact same. All what Prof. Wambugu currently desires is to build the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum analysis. Such can in no way interfere with the so known as indigenous African sorghum varieties.

Prof. Wambugu will, at one particular stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. Then is the appropriate time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.

It really should not be lost on any person that South Africa has effectively-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be developed outdoors such laws.

Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Its not the first time a new genetically modified crop is becoming introduced into South Africa. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, presently becoming commercially grown in South Africa have to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology investigation, is sending a stark message to African nations that its committed to discovering a permanent remedy to Africas chronic food issues. The best way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to enable scientists like Prof. Wambugu to do their perform unimpeded. investigate second hand car used cars gauteng second hand cars in gauteng