Philippines: Farmers and citizens win court case against GM golden rice and Bt eggplant There's welcome news from the Philippines relating to the court case on GM golden rice and Bt brinjal (eggplant). The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the applicants – farmer/scientist group MASIPAG and others – and against the Philippine Government's actions that granted permits for the commercial propagation of Bt brinjal and golden rice. The respondents (the Philippines Government) can appeal against this decision, but it is a significant victory for farmers, the environment, and people's health. The judges' decision to uphold the precautionary principle and to insist on proper risk assessment procedures to be in place and to be carried out gives a clear signal against any deregulation measures. The court ruled all commercial production must stop until the relevant govt agencies "submit proof of safety and compliance with all legal requirements". GMWatch Bayer ramps up media activities to counter litigators' claims against glyphosate In a new media campaign, Bayer has placed an "Open Letter on Glyphosate" as advertisements in the US press. The letter claims Roundup-cancer litigation is placing "American Agriculture at Risk". And Bayer says it plans to be "more vocal in the media". AgriMarketing We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible by readers’ donations. Please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you!
