PGR News from the Pacific

Posted 3:12 PM by Tevita

Bill banning GMO taro introduced by councilor

From : The Maui News

County Council Member Bill Medeiros has introduced a bill banning genetically engineered or modified taro in Maui County.

The proposal received strong support Friday from Native Hawaiians, taro farmers and critics of GMO technology when it was introduced at the regular Maui County Council meeting. It was referred to committee for future discussion.

Proponents of developing genetically modified taro have said research could help the plant resist modern pests and diseases.

But critics said genetic experimentation still hasn't been proved to be safe, and natural strains of the plant could be contaminated through pollination. They also point out taro's cultural and spiritual significance to Hawaiians.

"That's sacred," said taro farmer Alex Bode. "Leave our taro alone."

The environmental issues affecting taro farmers won't be solved by genetic modification, he added.

"It's a sacred, perfect food," said advocate Angie Hoffman. "It just needs good soil and water."

She added that there haven't been enough studies done to show genetic modification is safe.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Executive Director Lisa Schattenberg-Raymond said developing genetically modified strains of taro would create a "Pandora's box" because farmers couldn't prevent the new types from cross-pollinating with their pure, traditional varieties.

"Any genetic modification of kalo (taro) is a threat to Native Hawaiian resources," she said.



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DIVA-GIS	Sunday, April 05, 2009 Posted 3:12 PM by Tevita Bill banning GMO taro introduced by councilor From : The Maui News County Council Member Bill Medeiros has introduced a bill banning genetically engineered or modified taro in Maui County. The proposal received strong support Friday from Native Hawaiians, taro farmers and critics of GMO technology when it was introduced at the regular Maui County Council meeting. It was referred to committee for future discussion. Proponents of developing genetically modified taro have said research could help the plant resist modern pests and diseases. But critics said genetic experimentation still hasn't been proved to be safe, and natural strains of the plant could be contaminated through pollination. They also point out taro's cultural and spiritual significance to Hawaiians. "That's sacred," said taro farmer Alex Bode. "Leave our taro alone." The environmental issues affecting taro farmers won't be solved by genetic modification, he added. "It's a sacred, perfect food," said advocate Angie Hoffman. "It just needs good soil and water." She added that there haven't been enough studies done to show genetic modification is safe. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Executive Director Lisa Schattenberg-Raymond said developing genetically modified strains of taro would create a "Pandora's box" because farmers couldn't prevent the new types from cross-pollinating with their pure, traditional varieties. "Any genetic modification of kalo (taro) is a threat to Native Hawaiian resources," she said. * Comments: Post a Comment	Archive October 2002 November 2002 December 2002 January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003 May 2003 June 2003 July 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 November 2003 December 2003 January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 January 2010 RSS Feed Alternative feed Contact Tevita Something new: Agrobiodiversity Weblog: For discussions of conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources of crops, livestock and their wild relatives. 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