DAVID WILLS ON IFCNR'S NEW DIRECTION
Posted 2/23/10
A straight from the heart declaration by David Wills on where IFCNR goes from here. [more...]

IFCNR's Weekly Blog - Autumn 2009
Posted 9/18/09
IFCNR's take on items in the news. [more...]

IFCNR's Weekly Blog - Autumn 2009
Posted 9/17/09
IFCNR's thoughts on items in the news. [more...]

IFCNR's Weekly Blog - 14 August 2009
Posted 8/14/09
IFCNR's summary of biotech news. [more...]

Short Takes: 23 October 2008
Posted 10/23/08
IFCNR's views on items in the news on biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 15 February 2008
Posted 2/15/08
IFCNR's take on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 17 January 2008
Posted 1/17/08
IFCNR's views on items in the news regarding biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 08 December 2007
Posted 12/8/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news dealing with biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 28 November 2007
Posted 11/28/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news relating to biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 14 November 2007
Posted 11/14/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news dealing with biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 5 November 2007
Posted 11/5/07
IFCNR's views of items in the news regarding biotechnology. [more...]

OCTOBER 16TH: WORLD FOOD DAY - WHO NOTICED? WHO CARES?
Posted 10/16/07
In IFCNR's opinion the priorities of Governments, NGOs, and all of us must shift if the future of nature's resources is to be secure. [more...]

Short Takes: 11 October 2007
Posted 10/11/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news affecting biotechnology. [more...]

Short Takes: 27 September 2007
Posted 9/27/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 11 September 2007
Posted 9/11/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Passing of IFCNR Founder Stephen Boynton
Posted 8/27/07
IFCNR's Founder, Stephen Boynton has died. [more...]

Short Takes: 27 August 2007
Posted 8/27/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 20 August 2007
Posted 8/20/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 17 August 2007
Posted 8/17/07
IFCNR's views of items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 4 July 2007
Posted 7/4/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations the 10th and Final Day
Posted 6/15/07
The budget and voting systems were the focus of member angst on COP 14's final day. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 9
Posted 6/14/07
The impasse on the sale of ivory is over. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 8
Posted 6/13/07
The elephant discussion and vote is again put off until some settlement is reached among range states. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 7
Posted 6/12/07
Formal debate over elephants doesn't start until tomorrow-maybe! [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 6
Posted 6/11/07
Debate on African elephants was postponed. Votes on other species went forth as planned. [more...]

Short Takes: 10 June 2007
Posted 6/10/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 5
Posted 6/8/07
Director Dick Monroe details the discussions and debate halfway through COP 14. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 4
Posted 6/8/07
Behind the scenes at CITES viewed from the perspective of IFNCR Director Dick Monroe. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 3
Posted 6/7/07
IFCNR Director Dick Monroe's view of the too often contradictory logic used by non-sustainable use delegations. [more...]

CITES COP 14: Observations Day 2
Posted 6/5/07
IFCNR Director Dick Monroe offers his very personal take on deliberations at CITES COP 14. [more...]

CITES COP14: Observations & Other Ramblings
Posted 6/4/07
IFCNR Director Dick Monroe reports on the daily happenings at CITES' COP14. [more...]

Short Takes: 17 May 2007
Posted 5/17/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 10 May 2007
Posted 5/10/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Short Takes: 27 March 2007
Posted 3/27/07
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

What's Next for Eco-labels: A "Green" Badge for GMOs?
Posted 11/2/06
The scenario may not seem plausible but the truth be told the NGOs will seek "green eco-label" standards for GMO crops. [more...]

Short Takes: 31 October 2006
Posted 10/31/06
IFCNR's views on the items in the news relating to biotechnology. [more...]

An Importance Notice Re: IFCNR
Posted 9/14/06
IFCNR apologizes for the hiatus between updates. This notice will clarify. [more...]

Short Takes: News Views in Brief - 16 June 2006
Posted 6/16/06
IFCNR's views on items in the news. [more...]

Flower Power's Rep Kucinich Pushs for GMO Labeling
Posted 6/13/06
IFCNR's views on Rep. Kucinich, E-NGOs, and their attempt to discredit agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Pan Fish Stockholder Challenge: A Wakeup Call for Industry
Posted 4/28/06
When is "partnering" with the enemy justified? Never. [more...]

Short Takes: News Views in Brief - 17 April 2006
Posted 4/17/06
IFCNR views on news briefs dealing with agricultural and medical biotechnology. [more...]

Surrendering the High Ground By Reduction to the LCD
Posted 2/14/06
The WTO said the EU wall against GM crops and foods must come down. Now is the time for the real environmentalists to stop surrendering the moral high ground. [more...]

Our Opinion: What's Changed in Kenya (and Africa)?
Posted 1/27/06
Nearly a decade ago Kenya suffered a disasterous drought. The drought is back today. But is Kenya and Africa changing? [more...]

Skewing Science: PEW's Crucifixion of Farmed Salmon
Posted 12/8/05
Not science, the public, nor the environment are served by NGO manipulation of scientific research. [more...]

Short Takes: News in Brief - 14 November 2005
Posted 11/14/05
News briefs on medical and agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Pombo & IFCNR Must Be Doing Something Right!
Posted 10/21/05
Rep. Pombo's mission to correct the Endangered Species Act has drawn a response from the animal rights movement: attempted character assassination. [more...]

Opinion: Everyone and Everything Will Benefit from ESA Reform
Posted 10/19/05
Conserving Nature's resources is a primary task of mankind. Rep. Pombo's revision of the Endangered Species Act heads the effort in the right direction. [more...]

The Art and Science of Exquisite Cuisine
Posted 9/7/05
Quietly for the past decade chefs around the world have been tapping into the talents of true scientists. Now the fruits of their mating is appearing on finer menus. [more...]

U.S. Congressman Rehberg Named New SUPU Chairman
Posted 7/6/05
SUPU, the global communications nexus among nations subscribing to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources, named Hon. Dennis Rehberg its new chairman. [more...]

Target Red Lobster: A Lesson for Corporations & Others
Posted 6/13/05
The global boycott of Red Lobster by environmental and animal rights groups may be aimed at ending Canada's annual seal cull but it has lessons for every corporation and government agency. [more...]

New Edition of IFCNR's NGO
Posted 3/8/05
The newly published 2005 edition of IFCNR's "Guide to Influential Environmental and Animal Rights Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)" is a must read. [more...]

Short Takes: News in Brief - 1st Quarter 2005
Posted 2/9/05
News briefs on issues of medical and agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Life, Death and Racism: A Reflection on GMOs & DDT
Posted 12/15/04
Any analysis of the global effort to thwart biotechnology's achievements in medicine, disease control and increasing the world's food supply leadss to one undeniable conclusion. [more...]

Europe's Resistance to Biotech Crops = Advocacy v. Science
Posted 11/30/04
The ban on GMO products for planting, feed, or consumer market choice remains in effect by virtue of the EU's resistance to change. [more...]

Cleveland Amory’s Vision Closer to Reality as HSUS & Fund Merge
Posted 11/22/04
The merger of HSUS and the Fund for Animals bodes no good will for the biotech industry. [more...]

Off the Beaten Path - 14 November 2004
Posted 11/14/04
Vignettes of the contributions biotechnology is making in modern life. [more...]

Off the Beaten Path - 1 October 2004
Posted 10/1/04
Spinach power and new faces. [more...]

Short Takes: News in Brief - 30 September 2004
Posted 9/30/04
News briefs on issues of medical and agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Domestic Fight Looming in U.S. Over Tech Fees for Seed
Posted 9/1/04
U.S. farmers and legislators are raising questions about the fairness of tech fees for biotech seed. [more...]

Off the Beaten Path - 20 August 2004
Posted 8/19/04
Tidbits on biotech advances. [more...]

Off the Beaten Path - 18 August 2004
Posted 8/17/04
Odd bits and views about biotech. [more...]

Short Takes: News in Brief - Feb. - June 2004
Posted 6/29/04
News briefs on issues of medical and agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Consorting With the Enemy Is No Defense Against Prop 65
Posted 6/24/04
The lawsuit in California over Proposition 65 and the three major tuna canners should be watched closely by every resource-reliant industry. [more...]

Biotech's Frustrations & Hopes: Revealing Crypto's Mysteries
Posted 3/30/04
Genetic research finally identified the genetic map and possible vulnerabilities of the nearly impossible to defeat Cryptosporidium parvum parasite. [more...]

Problems Within IUCN's Red List & Environmentalism in General
Posted 12/11/03
A renown scientist within the IUCN family pinpoints flaws in that group's famous Red List of Threatened Species, flaws that fit the environmental movement too. [more...]

Short Takes: News in Brief - Fourth Quarter 2003
Posted 12/8/03
News briefs on issues of medical and agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

Part 1-Target FAO: A Give & Take Dialogue with an NGO Insider
Posted 12/5/03
IFCNR engages in a frank and revealing dialogue with an NGO insider over the importance of FAO. [more...]

PEW is Coming Out of the NGO Closet
Posted 11/20/03
The announcement that the PEW Charitable Trusts will be taking a more active role in advocacy spells rough times for ALL biotech interests. [more...]

Why Biotech Advocates Lose Public Debates
Posted 11/5/03
The Today Show provided a chance for biotech to shine. Instead, it surrendered the opportunity to more NGO rhetoric. [more...]

UK GMO Study: Scientists and Press Speak Different Languages
Posted 10/20/03
The UK "Farm Scale Evaluations" demonstrate that journalists are not farmers and that GM crops deliver as promised. [more...]

Short Takes: July to September 2003
Posted 9/25/03
News briefs on issues of biotechnology. [more...]

EU Sets Rules for Stem Cell Research
Posted 7/10/03
With the European Union's guidelines for stem cell research ready, much anticipated funding will soon be available to biomedical investigators. [more...]

Short Takes: April to June 2003
Posted 6/24/03
News briefs on issues of agricultural and medical biotechnology. [more...]

McDonalds: Eco/Animal-Friendly or Mired in NGO-Spun Web
Posted 5/21/03
McDonald's move to become an environmentally ethical corportation is to be commended. Its choice of partners is cause for concern. [more...]

PRO-BIOTECH COALITION ANNOUNCE WTO CHALLENGE TO EU MORATORIUM
Posted 5/14/03
Formal announcement that the U.S., along with other pro-biotech nations, will take their case against the EU to the WTO was made Tuesday, May 13. [more...]

Mites Decimate German Honeybees, Biotech Offers Hope
Posted 4/3/03
Germany's honeybee colonies are the latest to endure the ravages of the varroa mite. Global agriculture depends on the honeybee and biotechnology just may have the answer to its many lethal threats. [more...]

U.S. House Speaker Defends GE Crops, Condemns EU Fears
Posted 3/26/03
Rep. Dennis Hastert condemned the non-tariff trade barriers such as the EU's "moratorium" against genetically enhanced crops and urged WTO action. [more...]

Short Takes: January - March 2003
Posted 3/18/03
News briefs on issues about biotechnology and biomedical research. [more...]

SOCIAL ADVOCACY URGED AS PRECURSOR TO NEW BIOTECH FOOD PRODUCTS
Posted 2/25/03
Prepare the way is the message of a new industry report on the state of agricultural biotechnology. [more...]

AAAS News: Science Feeds, Saves & Clothes
Posted 2/20/03
The recent AAAS annual meetings provided plenty of new breakthroughs. [more...]

The NGO Assault on U.S. Food Producers is Proceeding as Planned
Posted 2/14/03
The NGO assault on U.S. food providers will succeed for fail depending on whether farm/fishing/retail interests are will to fight or capitulate. [more...]

SUPU Chairman Pombo Elected to Congress' Top Environmental Post
Posted 1/10/03
SUPU Chairman Richard Pombo is now the most influential Member of the House of Represenatives on matters of resource use. [more...]

Short Takes: August to December 2002
Posted 12/31/02
News briefs on topics related to biotechnology. [more...]

India Approves GM Cotton; Farmers are Jubilant
Posted 10/30/02
Acceptance of genetically engineered Bt cotton came quickly among India's farmers. [more...]

FDA Proposed Guidlines on Animal Antibiotics Draw Mix Reactions
Posted 10/8/02
FDA's proposed industry guidance dealing with techniques to determine the safety of animal antibiotics on human health drew mixed responses from NGOs and Industry reps alike. [more...]

Anti-Biotech NGO Helps Make Case for Bt Corn
Posted 9/20/02
An Iowa farmer's fluctuating sow pregnancy rate prompted an anti-biotech NGO to suspect GM corn. Turns out the Bt corn may be the hero. [more...]

California's Transgenic Fish Label/Ban Set for 3 Votes Today
Posted 8/29/02
California will see three votes on efforts to label/ban transgenic fish. Two will be State Assembly Committee votes, one by the Dept. of Fish and Game. [more...]

Africa's Famine Prompts Vote of Confidence for GM Crops
Posted 8/24/02
Africa's famine conditions are pushing world health groups to publicly state their approval of GM crops. [more...]

Curious Science, More Curious Reporting & Sunflowers
Posted 8/12/02
Science and reporting can come to very interesting conclusions that mirror the "glass half empty or half full" mind game. An Ohio State U. report on sunflowers does that exactly. [more...]

IFCNR to Address IUCN Meeting at World Summit
Posted 8/2/02
IUCN invited IFCNR to speak on the role of corporations in the process of establishing sustainability among developing nations. [more...]

Madding Issues Surround Zimbabwe's Stand on GMO Corn
Posted 7/31/02
U.S. news accounts of Zimbabwe's refusal to accept genetically engineered corn raise infuriating questions. [more...]

Oregon Set for Ballot Vote on GM Labels
Posted 7/25/02
The first component to a push for federal labeling of genetically modified products is in place with the okay by Oregon of a November vote on the issue. [more...]

NGO Campaign Against GMO Potatoes Lethal to P.E.I. Fish
Posted 7/17/02
Self-styled environmental groups celebrated their successful campaign to drive Monsanto's pest and virus resistant potatoes from the market. Now Canada's fish are dying as a result. [more...]

French Fries and Prop 65: Biotech Beware
Posted 7/5/02
The all too common use of California's Proposition 65 as a means of extracting substantial cash amounts from industries is back in the news. French fries are the immediate issue. [more...]

EPA Calls Toxic Sludge
Posted 6/19/02
EPA, the U.S. watchdog agency guarding against environmental pollution, appears guilty of during precisely that. [more...]

Study & Experience Show Immense Benefits of Biotech Crops
Posted 6/12/02
A landmark study by the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy demonstrates the economic and environmental boon of biotech crops. [more...]

UK Urged to Ignore GM-Bias of NGOs
Posted 6/11/02
Britain's Royal Society warned the country to shun the bias against biotechnology espoused by NGOs. [more...]

Biotech Short Takes: News Briefs for 19-06-02
Posted 5/20/02
Brief news summaries on topics of biotechnology. [more...]

Canadian Probe of GM-Seed Sent to Europe Ends in Mystery
Posted 5/6/02
The Canadian agency probing the two year old disasterous planting of rapeseed with traces of GMO intermingled have no idea how the seed was mixed. [more...]

Novartis to Shun Future UK Investments?
Posted 5/3/02
Actions by animal rights groups has Novartis considering a halt in its UK investments. [more...]

World Soy Growers Wecome Chinese OK for GMO Trade
Posted 4/22/02
China is again welcoming GMO soy imports into its country. The nearly year long trade halt due to confusing regulations is over. [more...]

Feb. 6th Set for Anti-GMO "Action Day" Against Kraft Foods
Posted 2/4/02
Anti-biotech NGOs are planning a "day of Action" against Kraft Food products at grocery stores around the nation. [more...]

Hearing Set for Comments on US Codex Position on Biotech Foods
Posted 1/10/02
The Dept. of Agriculture is holding a public meeting for comments on its position for the upcoming Codex Task Force Meeting on Biotech foods. [more...]

China Announces GMO Policy Effective March 20
Posted 1/7/02
Details of China's policy regarding importation of biotech enhanced foods are finally released. [more...]

Monsanto Hits No. 3 As World's Most Respected Food Company
Posted 12/21/01
Financial Times poll of global CEOs points to Monsanto's importance as a food company. [more...]

GM Crop Acreage Up Globally
Posted 12/18/01
Despite protests by critics, biotech crops are growing on increasing acreage worldwide by more than ten percent per year. [more...]

India's Farmers Suffer While Government & Critics Fiddle
Posted 12/7/01
India's farmers face survival or disaster depending on that country's decision to approve or delay GM crop planting. [more...]

African Nations Seek Biotech Network
Posted 11/20/01
Starvation need not be a way of life in Africa. [more...]

GM Fruit & Vegetable Vaccine Vehicles Face Uphill Fight
Posted 11/13/01
Immunization via food is fast capturing the imagination of the press and public. [more...]

Biotech Pioneer to Lead New Plant Science Center
Posted 11/8/01
World Class Plant Science Center opened November 2nd in St. Louis. [more...]

Savings Influence U.S. Farming's Embrace of GM Crops
Posted 11/7/01
The very practical issue of "will it save me money" is the overriding reason U.S. farmers love GM crops. [more...]

Global Plant Gene Treaty Approved at FAO
Posted 11/6/01
After seven years, the FAO approved a global treaty to guarantee access and benefits of plant gene biodiversity. [more...]

Plan to Destroy Pirated Indian Bt Cotton Fails
Posted 11/2/01
The illegally grown Bt cotton found growing in India has been put on the local market. [more...]

New Zealand OKs GM Tests/Organic Farmers Miffed
Posted 11/1/01
New Zealand approved new field trials for GM crops. Critics denounced the move and promised crop vandalism. [more...]

Stalemate Looms in EU Fight to Approve New GM Crops
Posted 10/30/01
European Nations are at loggerheads with the European Commission over whether or not to lift its moratorium on new GM licenses. [more...]

EPA Bt Corn Insect Resistance Workshop Rescheduled
Posted 10/26/01
The EPA workshop on Insect Resistance management with Bt corn has been rescheduled. [more...]

Anthrax Scare May Find Rx Via GMO Bananas
Posted 10/22/01
GMO bananas are capable of delivering anthrax vaccine. [more...]

Benefits Spur Increased Biotech Crop Plantings
Posted 10/19/01
After six years, the benefits of biotech enhanced crops are pursuading more farmers to make the switch. [more...]

Bt Corn Gets 7-Year Okay for U.S. Farms
Posted 10/16/01
The Environmental Protection Agency rejected anti-biotech arguments and issued a seven-year registration renewal for Bt corn to be planted in the United States. [more...]

EU Appears Ready to Lift Biotech Crop Ban
Posted 10/10/01
A court decision and finalizing draft regulations suggest the European Union is ready to lift its moratorium on new GMOs. [more...]

Philippines: Greenpeace Protests & Blight-free Rice Ready
Posted 10/4/01
As Greenpeace protests GMO labeling and Bt corn field tests, the Philippines announce the development of a new blight-resistant rice. [more...]

Canadians Choose Biotech Foods by 3-2 Margin
Posted 10/4/01
For two consecutive years, a labeling test of GMO foods saw Canadian consumers pick biotech enhanced produce over conventional varieties. [more...]

Germany OKs Biotech Crops/ France Warns Against Atrazine
Posted 10/3/01
The German government issued a report highly favorable about biotech crops. France, meanwhile, is frightened about the use of conventional herbicides threatening human health. [more...]

US Renews Bt Cotton Approval, Bt Corn Decision Pending
Posted 10/3/01
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a five-year renewal on the production of Bt. cotton. A descision on Bt. corn is delayed. [more...]

GM Sweet Potato Passes First Hurtle in Kenya
Posted 10/1/01
With government regulations calling for four seasons of field tests, Kenya's first biotech project looks promising to sweet potato farmers. [more...]

EC Commissioners Urge "Light, Not Fear" for GM Debate
Posted 9/21/01
Key European Commission officials are calling for science-based leadership in the debate over adopting proposed labeling rules. [more...]

Biogemma Sues French Crop Vandals
Posted 9/21/01
With police distracted by the World Trade Center attack by international terrorists, French crop vandals are back at work. [more...]

Studies Show Bt Corn & Monarch Butterflies is Not a Simple Issue
Posted 9/20/01
Six separate studies conducted in the U.S. and Canada show the affects of Bt corn on monarch butterflies is not as simplistic as critics claim. [more...]

Greenpeace Fails to Listen to Their Own Words
Posted 9/19/01
Greenpeace undermines its own position by ignoring its own advice. [more...]

Tansgenic Cotton & Food Crops Offer "Hope" to China
Posted 9/19/01
Chinese farmers are seeing first hand the benefits of biotechnology. [more...]

Virus-resistant "Rainbow" Papaya Saves Hawaiian Crop
Posted 9/13/01
Biotech saved the day, and future, for Hawaii's papaya farmers. After nearly five years the Island state is seeking Japanese and Canadian markets. [more...]

EU Patent for Biotech Salmon Infuriates Greenpeace
Posted 9/10/01
Greenpeace finally noticed that the European Patent Office issued a patent for growth-enhanced salmon and other fish. The anti-biotech group is more than mildly miffed. [more...]

Aventis Sues the UK to Keep Pesticide Data Private
Posted 9/10/01
Aventis CropScience is asking the British courts to stop the government from divulging potentially damaging proprietary information. [more...]

French Group Asks GM Crop Ban/NGOs Pay Philippine Crop Vandals
Posted 9/10/01
French NGOs opposed to biotech enhanced crops asked the government to ban open field tests. Reuters reports NGOs are paying for crop vandalism in the Philippines. [more...]

Kudos for Pew: Biotech Report a Good Read
Posted 9/6/01
The Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology produced a handy report on the growth of biotechnology. [more...]

French Farmers Seek Legal Action Against Crop Vandals
Posted 9/6/01
The French appear more serious than the British in safeguarding biotech research and the welfare of their people. Crop vandalism of test fields was stopped by police intervention and the vandals may face legal action brought by French farmers. [more...]