GMO “Golden Rice” Trial Leaves Questions Unanswered

Sep 11, 2012

GMO Rice Tested on Chinese Children for Sino-U.S. Research Project?

Controversy over a report that was filed last month by environmental activist group – Greenpeace claiming that the U.S. Department of Agriculture supported a study that tested genetically modified (GMO) “golden rice” on 24 Chinese children between the ages of six and eight has prompted an investigation by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) was working on developing golden rice as a way to enhance vitamin A deficiency in countries such as Philippines and Bangladesh. The research was published by Tufts University in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in August 2012. The paper suggested that golden rice could provide a good source of vitamin A for children in countries where the deficiency is common. The allegations made by Greenpeace have sparked a firestorm on Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, for the accusations that the researchers may have tested the GMO golden rice on poor Chinese children. Some of the researchers that participated in the trail have been suspended until the investigation into the allegations is complete.

China is the world’s top producer and consumer of rice and they have approved their own local strains of GMO rice known as Bt rice back in 2009. However, the commercial production of the Bt rice has been delayed.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.