Federal Court Says Hawaii Counties Can't Ban GMOs or Pesticides

Federal Court Says Hawaii Counties Can't Ban GMOs or Pesticides

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down several Hawaii county ordinances limiting or altogether banning the use of pesticides and GMO products. The court held the local laws attempted to legislate an area already comprehensively covered by state or federal law and those local laws were preempted by state and/or federal laws.

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Increased Ag Technology and Sustainability

Increased Ag Technology and Sustainability

Technology is already on on the farm, but during the next decade, farmers will likely embrace ag tech like never before. Sustainability will increasingly drive technology use.

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Gene Editing Regulation in the EU

Gene Editing Regulation in the EU

Gene editing (GE) is a game-changer for those in science, agriculture, or really for anyone who eats food. Heat, disease, and drought resistant cattle, corn, pigs, and barley are already in the works. They are a way forward for farmers trying to feed our growing population in a changing climate. Right now the EU is struggling to decide how to regulate GE organisms--by reviewing the product, or by asking questions about the creation of the product. I think the EU--and the US--should follow Canada's lead and should regulate GE organisms based on the actual product. 

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New Guidance for Genetically Engineered Organisms: What Does it Mean?

New Guidance for Genetically Engineered Organisms: What Does it Mean?

The USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services just announced new guidance for extension requests for genetically engineered organisms. What does this mean for the public? Hopefully, it will lead to shorter review times, flexibility in extension requests, and more predictability from the government review processes. This should mean more innovation and less red tape.

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Can Gene Engineering Help Stop the Zika Virus?

Can Gene Engineering Help Stop the Zika Virus?

A UK company has genetically modified a line of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and released them into the wild. These are the pests responsible for the zika virus outbreak currently ravaging Central and South America and a few western African countries. Can genetic modification stop the spread of this nasty disease?

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More Thoughts on Animal Gene Editing: Federal and State Regulation

More Thoughts on Animal Gene Editing: Federal and State Regulation

The governmental response to genetically-edited animals is and will continue to be a key consideration. This post explores existing and proposed regulations and laws affecting genetically-edited animals.

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