EXCERPT: "IRRI scientists also admitted that many uncertainties related to the "Golden Rice" still need to be addressed before this crop could be released. These include environmental risks as well as health and nutritional questions. IRRI also confirmed that the currently available "Golden Rice" only produces very low levels of beta-carotene, the source of vitamin A. They also agreed with Greenpeace that the best solution to vitamin A deficiency is a diverse diet."
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Genetically engineered 'Golden Rice' not to be released into the environment within the next five years, admits International Rice Research Institute
GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
20 March 2001, for immediate release

London/Manila, 20th March 2001 - The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has confirmed to Greenpeace that it has no plans to release genetically modified (GM) so-called "Golden Rice" into the environment. Field trials are unlikely to take place within the next five years.   

IRRI scientists told Greenpeace that various genetic elements in the "Golden Rice" need to be changed or removed, in particular its gene construct and an antibiotic resistance gene (1-2).  IRRI received the first grains of the GM rice variety for breeding purposes earlier this year.   

IRRI scientists also admitted that many uncertainties related to the  "Golden Rice" still need to be addressed before this crop could be released.   These include environmental risks as well as health and nutritional questions. IRRI also confirmed that the currently available "Golden Rice" only  produces very low levels of beta-carotene, the source of vitamin A.  They also  agreed with Greenpeace that the best solution to vitamin A deficiency is a  diverse diet.   

Greenpeace welcomes the fact that the world's leading public rice research institute is more honest in its assessment of the benefits of "Golden  Rice" than other advocates for the GM industry.  

"There are cheap and proven solutions and technologies available to fight against vitamin A deficiency," said Von Hernandez, Greenpeace Southeast  Asia Campaign Director, "The main problem is lack of political will to see  these solutions through and the inadequacy of resources to enforce them.  The GM industry's propaganda that keeps pushing 'Golden Rice' as the solution for vitamin A deficiency is irresponsible.  It is using the misery of mothers and children who suffer from this deficiency for its own commercial gain."  

When asked by Greenpeace, IRRI scientists admitted that there might even  be naturally occurring rice varieties that contain beta-carotene or other vitamin A precursors. However, very few studies have been conducted so far on whether such natural pro-vitamin rich rice varieties exist.  

ENDS

For more information:

In the UK: Charlie Kronick, Greenpeace GM campaigner, 020 7865 8228

In the Philippines:  Von Hernandez, Greenpeace GM campaigner, Mob: +63 917 5263050;  Greenpeace Press Release/2

Notes for Editors

(1) "Gene construct" refers to genetic material or genes incorporated   into a genetically modified organism. The IRRI scientists believe that another type of gene construct needs to be used to increase/promote the level of beta-carotene production in the "Golden Rice".  

(2) Antibiotic resistance genes are used as a marker to check if the  genetic modification has been successful.  'Golden Rice' currently still contains a hygromycin antibiotic resistance gene.  There is broad agreement that  these marker genes should be phased out because of potential health risks.  

(3) IRRI has recently initiated a project to search for rice varieties  with naturally high vitamin A content.  

(4) Greenpeace briefing paper "Vitamin A: Natural Sources vs Golden Rice" and "The false promise of GE rice" are available at http://www.greenpeace.org/~geneng/  More information on http://www.greenpeace.org.uk