70% of world’s raw chocolate soon to be genetically modified
With the intention of flooding 70% of the global cocoa supply with genetically modified (GMO) cocoa tree hybrids, a collaboration involving Mars, USDA and IBM is accelerating this process.
With primary funding from US chocolate producer Mars, the partnership includes scientists based at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture and Science as well as researchers working at IBM’s Thomas J Watson Research Center.
The scientists are determined to finalize gene sequencing of the cocoa genome which they say will “benefit” the chocolate industry and cocoa growers in West Africa where 70 percent of the world’s cocoa is produced, and in other tropical zones.
According to the global head of plant science and research at the confectionery firm, Howard-Yana Shapiro, the sequence is of great importance.
“As plant breeders, we’re always looking after the golden traits: pest and disease resistant, drought tolerance, the ability to adapt to climate change, tree architecture, yield quality, etc,” said Dr Shapiro.
The researchers including ARS based molecular biologist David Kuhn and geneticist Raymond Schnell said that they released the findings of sequencing into the public domain in order to assist scientists to begin applying the findings immediately.
Source: PreventDisease, BBC
The results have been published on the Cacao Genome Database website.
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yeah, well not only does it pass onto the food, but also the consequences of disrupting the natural order, what will it do to insects-birds-ect the water-soil-..these asses know that in the end nature adapts by creating “super bugs” ..so what would be the mutation in birds ect?..Ive also read somewhere that they plan on planting GMO trees in the states..
Why mess with a good thing? If they are inserting “pesticide-generating” gene, that is not going to be good…because the pesticide passes on in the food.
Without the long term effects of these GMO chocolate plants being known I for one will only buy certified organic chocolate from now on. There is another mass experiment taking place and the unknowing public are the lab rats.
This is BOLLOCKS! No I dont want them to!! This is not right!
Well I for one will pass this sick news on to as many Chocoholics as possible.
This news coupled with KRAFT’S prostitution of the CADBURY name will definitely WEEN ME OFF CHOCOLATE POISONING FOR GOOD.
Phuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!