Myth Makers

An A-Z of the people and groups behind the push for GM. It includes links to the web portal GMWatch SpinProfiles - our in-depth guide to the networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR around the GM issue.

 

Mike Gale
 UK
Biotechnologist who was a fellow of the Royal Society and former acting director of John Innes Centre. Served on the UK's Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: John Innes CentreRoyal Society

Mike Gasson
UK
Head of food safety science at the Institute of Food Research, a BBSRC-funded institute situated, like the John Innes Centre, in the Research Park in Norwich.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Gatsby Charitable Foundation
UK
Grant-making trust with strong links to the biotech industry, set up by the former UK science minister Lord David Sainsbury.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: John Innes CentreDavid Sainsbury

GenePool
New Zealand
Former PR outfit that claimed to be an independent educational trust while being funded by Monsanto, among others.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: Communications TrumpsLife Sciences NetworkNorrey Simmons

Genetic Interest Group
UK
Alliance of organisations with a membership of over 120 charities which supports people affected by genetic disorders. Lobbied heavily (and successfully) for patents on life. Funded by GlaxoSmithKline, among others.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: John GillottLM group

Genius
Germany
Company behind the websites GMO Compass and GMO Safety. Numbers among its clients: the American Soybean Association, BASF, Bayer, EuropaBio and Syngenta.
Articles: Complaint about Online Poll, Commission Funding Biotech PR Effort
Links to: GMO Compass

Leonard Gianessi
USA
Program director and senior research associate at the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, a pro-GM industry group.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy

L. Val Giddings
USA
Vice president for food and agriculture of the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, which represents the big GM firms. Lobbies for GM crops.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Links to: Biotechnology Industry Organisation

James Glassman
USA
Journalist who hosts a pro-free market corporate-funded website, originally called Tech Central Station (since renamed TCS Daily). Fellow of the American Enterprise Institute.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Links to: American Enterprise InstituteTech Central Station

GMO Compass
European Union
Website established with EU-funding, claiming neutrality on GM, but avidly pro-GM. Run by a German company (Genius) which numbers amongst its clients: the American Soybean Association, BASF, Bayer, EuropaBio and Syngenta.
Articles: Complaint about Online Poll, Commission Funding Biotech PR Effort
Links to: Klaus Ammann, European Federation of Biotechnology

Golden Genomics
South Africa
Biotech consultancy launched by Muffy Koch, one of the key pro-GM lobbyists operating out of South Africa. Koch has also been involved in government regulation of GM crops in South Africa.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Links to: Muffy KochSAGENEJennifer Thomson

Golden Rice Network
Philippines
Project of the International Rice Research Institute to develop and promote GM Golden Rice for the developing world.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: Gerard BarryConsultative Group on International Agricultural ResearchInternational Rice Research InstituteIngo Potrykus

Alan Gottlieb
USA
Founder of the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, which has been at the heart of the backlash against the green movement.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: Center for the Defense of Free EnterpriseWise Use Movement

Susan Greenfield
UK
Director of the Royal Institution. Has been at the centre of efforts to control how controversial scientific issues, like GM and cloning, are presented to the public.
Profiles: GMWatch SpinProfile
Linked to: Royal InstitutionScience Media CentreSocial Issues Research CentreLM group

Growers for Biotechnology
USA
Industry front group.
Article: GM seed bill sidelined following private dinner with Monsanto
Article: Grooming wheat growers for Monsanto
Linked to: Al Skogen



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