Activists Go on Warpath Against Transgenic Crops—and Scientists

Chinese activists, restricted from political protests, lash out with ferocity in other areas such as the environment. Activists known as Wu You Zhi Xiang, or Utopia, are influenced by international organizations like Greenpeace, writes Richard Stone Science Magazine. Claiming to protect the rural poor in the tradition of Mao, the activists reject government tests and policies on safety certificates for genetically modified varieties of rice and maize. The government – seeking to counter pressures posed by development and weather conditions, as well as prevent food shortages that lead to unrest – has embraced GM research. Since the 1990s, China has tried six GM crops including cotton, petunias, tomatoes, sweet peppers, poplar trees and papayas. But rice is the nation’s most important grain. Activists are increasingly wary of exploitation by agribusinesses such as Monsanto and contend that research collaborations use China’s consumers as test subjects. Public agitation is limited, Stone reports, and the government is devoting more funds to outreach and explanations. – YaleGlobal