Bayer CropScience alliance with CAAS Bayer CropScience has signed a memorandum of understanding on technological cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to work together on programs covering plant cultivation, genetics and seed production. More†

Devgen to focus on ag biotech Belgium-based Devgen has decided to close its pharma division and focus exclusively on its agricultural business. The company found that the synergies of developing biotech for health care and crop production had disappeared, while pharma activities "carry a substantially higher risk profile." More†

Sci/Tech

rbST from GM cows Bovine somatotropin, also known as rbST, has long been popular with dairy farmers because it makes milk production far more efficient. It became widely available at a reasonable price when it was discovered that it could be produced using the same technology that yields insulin for diabetics. Now, Argentine scientists have discovered a process which could make rbST production even cheaper -- a process using GM cows. More†

Development

Scientist volunteers to be 'guinea pig' International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) chief Dr. Robert Zeigler has said he will be the first to eat Golden Rice when the IRRI introduces it in the Philippines in 2012. He believes this will show Filipinos that the GM rice is safe and nutritious. More†