Barley genome breakthrough may lead to better beer

London/Reuters – An international consortium of scientists has published a high resolution draft of the barley genome in a move that could not only improve yields and disease resistance, but may also hold the key to better beer. “This research will streamline efforts to improve barley production through breeding for improved varieties,” said Prof. Robbie

Austria wants review of Europe’s policy on GM corn

vienna / reuters / Austria’s minister for agriculture and the environment is calling on the European Commission to review its approval process for genetically modified food after a controversial French study linked GM corn to higher health risks in rats. The study — repudiated by many scientists — found rats fed on Monsanto’s GM corn



ADM swoops on Australia’s GrainCorp in Asian push

sydney / reuters / Archer Daniels Midland has bought a 10 per cent stake in GrainCorp and is seeking talks on a takeover that would give the U.S. agribusiness a stronger platform to supply Asia. The purchase comes at a time of global consolidation in the agricultural sector amid intense competition to feed fast-developing countries


France says no need to revisit Monsanto maize approval

Astudy last month pointing to health risks from a type of genetically modified maize and a related pesticide did not provide grounds for questioning previous safety approvals, the French government said Oct. 22. The study by researchers at the University of Caen said rats fed on Monsanto’s NK603 GM maize (corn) or exposed to the

USDA hears earful about corn estimates at annual meeting

Reuters / Top U.S. agriculture officials Monday were to face questions about quarterly estimates for corn inventories that have frustrated traders and roiled markets for the past two years. Traders said they would raise their concerns about supply estimates at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual meeting in Chicago for users of agricultural data. The



Corn seed might be tight next spring

Rising corn acres and severe drought in the Midwestern United States may crimp supplies of popular corn seed varieties for the coming year. “It’s really short,” said Ron Rabe, a Dekalb agronomist, who gave a brief talk on corn production in Manitoba at a recent WADO field tour. Derek Erb, who farms near Oak Bluff


The truth is out there

For some reason, the once popular sci-fi television series “The X-Files” came to mind last week as the unfolding debacle at XL Foods led to an ever-widening beef recall — and not just because of the X in the company’s name. There’s something surreal about advice from public health officials telling you to go to