How does destroying scientific field trials of genetically modified crops contribute in any way to helping feed a growing planet?

That's a question that needs to be better answered by activist organizations. While self-proclaimed protectors of the environment have destroyed numerous field trials, recently they seem to be trying to make some media noise this year with a rash of vandalism and destruction.

For example, earlier this year they destroyed Bt brinjal (eggplant) field trials in the Philippines, using misleading terminology (such as "decontaminate") in announcements to make is sound as though they're saving us from some perceived danger - "Indian activists help Filipinos decontaminate Bt brinjal field trial site" (Business Standard - February 18, 2011).

This month in Germany, during "the nights of 9 and 11 July 2011, two field trials funded by the German Ministry of Research involving genetically modified plants were destroyed by unknown attackers, who used brutal violence against the guards." (GMO Safety -July 12, 2011). According to the project leader of the site the "attack was targeted and brutal".

Also in the past few days, Greenpeace vandalized and destroyed a field trial of GM wheat in Australia. Fortunately, they ended up getting more public backlash than they are used to:

"SHADOW Agriculture Minister, John Cobb, says Greenpeace activists, who destroyed scientific trials of Genetically Modified wheat during an early morning raid on CSIRO facilities in Canberra this morning, should be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law”.

Mr Cobb has also slammed comments attributed to Canberra Greens MLA, Shane Rattenbury, understood to be a former Greenpeace staff member, who said this morning on ABC radio that he condoned the actions of the Greenpeace activists and that sometimes the end justified the means.

Greenpeace activists, dressed in theatrical style protective clothing to create an impression the crops were a health risk, entered the CSIRO facility and used whipper snippers to destroy the approved scientific trials." (The Land - "GM activists should be prosecuted: Cobb" - July 14, 2011) [Note: bold emphasis above added]

The excuse of the "ends justifying the means" has a poor historical track record. Here's a statement from Greenpeace where it tries to defend itself after a backlash of negative opinion to their actions (Greenpeace - Q & A on GM Wheat trial action). Greenpeace Executive Director International, Kumi Naidoo, was also went to Australia to speak at the National Press Club in Canberra - but the event was cancelled due to 'lack of interest', according to media reports (link).

A number of excellent points about the Australian situation were also made by a Senator from Queensland, Barnaby Joyce:

"Today's illegal Greenpeace activity has once and for all proven what many of us have feared for quite some time - Greenpeace is not interested in green outcomes or sustainable agriculture and food production.

“This is purely a non-factual, high profile fund raiser and Australian consumers need to be aware of this.” (The Land, "Joyce has barbs for Greenpeace" - July 15, 2011)

Let's expand his statement to include ALL consumers around the world, not just Australia.

Globally, a diverse group of foundations, governments, NGO's, private companies, universities, dedicated individuals and others are working towards a goal of more than doubling food production in the coming decades to help adequately and safely feed a growing world population. Greenpeace and other activist groups are blatantly destroying research that may help feed the world's poor and hungry. They destroy instead of helping build. There's no benefit from their destructive activity to anyone except themselves. There are likely not that many activists who go hungry.

It needs to be pointed out there have been some notable activists who have changed their minds, including Mark Lynas:

"As a former anti-GM campaigner, I used to join “decontamination” actions in the middle of the night, trampling and slashing down crop trials in the UK in the late 1990s. Looking back, I realise I was caught up in something more resembling anti-scientific mass hysteria rather than any rational response to a new technology." (Cambridge Network, newsletter - July 8, 2011)

Lynas' quote is taken from an op-ed he did recently that appeared in the Times of London on July 5, "To abolish starvation Africa needs GM crops" - it also appeared July 14 in the Daily Nation from Kenya. Let's hope others come to his rational. Maybe then we'll start seeing more food grown, and less of scientific field trials being destroyed needlessly.


Here's a list of some recent news coverage re: Australia:
CropLife Australia, Media Release - Greenpeace brings a dark day for Australian science (July 14, 2011)
The Land - GM activists should be prosecuted: Cobb (July 14, 2011)
The Land - Greenpeace slammed in GM wheat furore (July 14, 2011)
The Land - Joyce has barbs for Greenpeace (July 15, 2011)
Sydney Morning Herald - Greenpeace attacks Canberra GM wheat crop (July 14, 2011)
The Daily Telegraph - Activists are cereal killers (July 15, 2011)
Herald Sun - Greenpeace accused of emotional blackmail (July 15, 2011)