IRRI welcomes the better understanding subsequently shown by Greenpeace regarding research into Golden Rice.

During the visit, the Greenpeace delegation, which included representatives from Thailand and Europe as well as colleagues from the Southeast Asian Regional Institute for Community Education, also gathered information on how IRRI sets its priorities in biotech research. The group learned more about the extensive work done by the institute in the area of biological pest controlfor example, encouraging farmers to protect friendly insects that prey on insect pestsand other measures aimed at reducing pesticide use in rice production.

IRRI Director General Ronald P. Cantrell said he was satisfied that Greenpeace now appears to have a better understanding of the future development of Golden Rice. “As we’ve said many times, much work remains to be done to develop Golden Rice into the successful new strategy that we feel it can become, to help combat the terrible problem of vitamin-A deficiency in the developing world,” Dr. Cantrell explained. “Because of this, it will be at least three to four years before there are any field trials and another two years before it may reach farmers.

“IRRI remains committed to the continued safe and sustainable development of Golden Rice, and there will be no change to our plans as a result of the Greenpeace visit,” he added.

During the visit, IRRI scientists also explained to the Greenpeace delegation a number of established facts. These included:

- The ultimate release of Golden Rice to farmers will be the responsibility of the national agricultural research programs that are partners with IRRI in its continued development.

- Before the material can be released in any country, a wide range of trials must be conducted to ensure that Golden Rice is environmentally harmless and safe to eat, and to measure how much vitamin A it provides consumers.

- Although, at its present stage of development, Golden Rice produces only low levels of the building blocks of vitamin A, or pro-vitamin A, it may ultimately provide enough to be a great help in alleviating the health problems associated with vitamin-A deficiency (VAD).

- While Golden Rice alone may not eliminate all VAD problems in developing countries, it is an exciting new alternative that deserves further development, bearing in mind that a diverse diet remains the best solution to VAD.

- Golden Rice is only one of IRRI’s efforts to develop micronutrient-enriched rice, using a wide range of methods and technologies, including traditional plant breeding.

Dr. Cantrell said he looked forward to continued dialogue with groups such as Greenpeace, especially if it aids the development of new technologies that can improve the lives of poor rice farmers and consumers in safe and sustainable ways.