An intriguing, good reference site for citizens and consumers wanting to stay on top of both sides of the GM foods controversy. It collects timely news on the debate, latest reports and articles on agricultural biotech issues--from technical analyses to environmental impacts, health risks, crop segregation and regulation. Check the Consumer Choice section to gauge the wide range of information here. Just two examples of smart content AgBioTech has captured: · a Washington Monthly April '01 article analyzing the U.S. patent office's ability to meet the new legal and public interest issues raised by the genomic revolution. · And the National Academy of Science's April 2000 report on the safety of crops engineered for pest resistance. And readers from both sides of the GMO debate can subscribe to AgBioTech's free Daily Brief, which reports news in the biotech food debate as well as a Weekly summary of GM Food news artilces The newsletter is free; no ads, no sponsors.
		Be better prepared for reading articles and reports on genetically modified organisms (GMO); browse the Center's biotechnology and food glossary of terms.
		To glimpse the scale of current genomic research and the major areas where biotechnology has a significant impact (agriculture, animal, microbial science, entomology and sustainability; medicine and veterinary medicine including therapeutics, diagnostics and pathology; food science; bioprocess technology and environmental science), the University of California is a good starting reference point. Davis is one of the world's leading institutions for life science research.
		This U.S. agency lists some good, frequently asked questions pertaining to genetically modified foods.
		This U.S. regulatory agency offers a small selection of press releases, FDA statements, records of public meetings and the FDA's response to a lawsuit (since dismissed) over the FDA's regulation of GM foods. An interesting section is: "Are Bioengineered Foods Safe?". It's an interview with FDA Commissioner Jane Henney, M.D., geared to the consumer. Note: this site is not updated; content is only from 1999 and 2000.
		The Alliance, comprised of food producing organizations, offers a clear, concise case on their web site for why the world is better off for having the benefits of biotechnology in the production of food.
		This organization presents a good range of information supporting biotechnology and its applications. Its "Issues and Policies" section updates state and national legislative initiatives, actions and how to get involved in advocating for biotechnology. A separate 'Genomics' section has its own "Issues and Policies" content.
		Monsanto, a leading life sciences corporation, runs this site to educate on biotechnology issues and developments. Its sections of content include a "FAQ" area; a "Timeline" on biotech research (the first transgenic plant was a tobacco plant resistant to antibiotics) ; and a "Knowledge Center" which has biotechnology news and updates for different parts of the world.
		DuPont, another leading corporation involved in agricultural biotechnology, offers a range of material on the subject. There's a primer on the science,history, policy and potential of food biotechnology in the "Intro to Biotech" section, as well as perspectives from a few political leaders on the debate. In the "FAQs" area of the site, Dupont outlines how it is addressing the concerns about GM food. A "Message" section allows visitors to get answers from Dupont to emailed questions and comments.
		This group offers information, resources and how to get involved in pressuring Congress to take action on labeling genetically modified food. There's a section on how much GM food has already entered the U.S. food supply and information on possible allergen risks and what to look for.
		This public interest law firm is challenging the lack of adequate U.S. regulations on genetically engineered food and initiated lawsuits against the FDA for not labeling GM food. CFS has written a Critique of The Food and Drug Administration's New Proposal on Genetically Engineered Foods. (The FDA released its new proposal Jan 17, 2001; the public comment period expired April 3, 2001.)
		This organization seeks a moratorium on GM foods. Its site is a good primer on all the anti-GMO issues and easy to understand for those with non-science backgrounds.
		The contents of Greenpeace's site offers dozens of pages of information on the fears and hazards of GM foods, plus a section on news and taking action against biotech foods, and a GM-free Shopping List with advice on how to avoid biotech food.
		Over 30 farmer organizations endorsed this coalition's Farmers' Declaration on Genetic Engineering in Agriculture. The Declaration summarizes why the farmers' groups oppose GM crops and the patenting of GM seeds by biotech companies and calls for more research into the social, environmental and health risks, and mandatory labeling of GM food products.
		A 1999 Scientific American magazine article summing up the controversy over genetically modified food, the major companies involved in this technology and short overviews of the two sides of the debate, with links.
		This April 2000 issue of the magazine offers some opinionated anti-GMO food articles.
		A Mother Jones magazine cover story on the government's rush to approve GM foods, and the questions many feel were left unanswered.
		An op-ed piece in The Economist summarizing both sides of the GM food issue, why much of the fear is unfounded, and what government and corporations must do to gain public support of this technology.
		A Salon.com article which tells the story of a lawsuit filed in the late 1990s against the FDA. The litigation turned up internal documents revealing that some of the agency's scientists have doubts about the safety of GM food.