Folks: I was at a recent int'l workshop on ecological effects of transgenic
crops in Berkeley (no proceedings yet, but look for something from Miguel
Altieri within a few weeks). The issue of golden rice came up in one of the
evening, campus-wide seminars. Someone from the audience, a physician I
believe, stood up and noted that Vit A was present in the part of the hull
that is typically ground off to make polished rice. So, part of the issue may
be simply processing - comments?
He further noted, and I think I recall this correctly, that some varieties of
rice - I think they were red (?) - already had high levels of Vit A. Others
at the event raised real questions about whether the technology would ever
make it to market. One issue at present is that it is apparently possible to
insert the gene only in japonica (not indica) rice types, but indica is what
is eaten in the target region. Not sure if this is a real issue, or just a
temporary problem.
I agree with Mike M - this appears to be an answer in search of a question,
and most certainly, is a means to elevate the debate from HT- and Bt-crops to
something perceived to be of human benefit. Ann
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