Crop Biotech Update (November 6, 2013)

In This Issue November 6, 2013 NEWS Global  • Overcoming Smallholder Challenges with Biotechnology  • Raven: Biosafety Assessments Shouldn't be Burdensome  Africa  • Grant for Soybean Research Aims to Increase Africa's Food Supply  • Nigerian Agriculture Minister Urges Faster Acceptance of Biotech in Africa  • Biotechnology Center Re-established in Liberia  Americas  • Biologists Uncover Rules that Govern Leaf Design  • International Effort to Develop Climate-Resilient Wheat  • Research Improves Understanding of How Plants Protect Themselves from Adverse Environmental Conditions  • Genes in the Organelles Affects Cell Metabolism  Asia and the Pacific  • Australian OGTR DIR 122 - Notification of Decision on GM Wheat Field Trial  • Top Rice Research Showcased in International Symposium  • Philippine DA Allows Field Trials of GM Crops  • Regulators and Experts from 8 Asian Countries Train on Communicating Biotech and Biosafety  Europe  • EU Prepares Draft of New GM Maize Cultivation Approval  • Study Shows New Technologies Not Perfect but Very Beneficial  Research  • Pyramiding of the HVA1 and mtlD in Maize Confers Drought and Salt Tolerance  • GE Sweet Potato with Multiple Virus Resistance Developed  Beyond Crop Biotech  • Research Shows Slow Development of Drugs for Neglected Diseases  • "Flipping" Genetic Switch Reveals New Compounds with Antibiotic Potential  Announcements  • Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture  Document Reminders  • Transgenic Technologies in Agriculture: From Lab to Field to Market  Biofuels Supplement (October 30, 2013 Issue)  Research and Development  • Researchers Speed Up Wood-to-Fuel Conversion • Potential Pests of Future Ethanol Crops Rediscovered • Scientists Find Key Genes for Oil Surge in Plant Leaves • Work on Perennial Grain Crop to Boost Potential Biofuel Use • Mold Research Project to Receive Support from Energy Department Production and Trade  • Partnership Boosts Use of Jet Biofuel in 2014 • Thailand Promotes Cassava-Based Ethanol Production • Ukraine Needs Additional Sources of Bioethanol • UAE to Produce Aviation Biofuel With Sustainable Farming Policy and Regulation  • Biofuel Maker Calls for Blending Mandate in Hong Kong Latest Communication Products Can Mother Earth Feed 9+ Billion in 2050?  Coinciding with the celebration of the World Food Prize (WFP) Foundation 16-19 October 2013 to honor three distinguished crop biotechnologists, ISAAA launches a new infographic on food and agricultural biotechnology to raise public understanding on challenges of feeding the world of tomorrow. Farmers First: Feedback from the Farm  A collection of farmers' testimonies from China, India, and the Philippines, about how they started adopting biotech crops, how they benefited from the technology, and why they continue planting biotech crops. Biotech Traits Annual Updates  A summary of traits deployed in biotech crops which includes short discussions about the trends in biotech traits adoption and benefits of biotech crops with such traits. Pocket K 45: Biotechnology for Sugarcane  This PK covers short discussions about the many uses of sugarcane aside from being a sugar crop; how genetic manipulation can boost its yield and enhance its productivity; how cellulosic biofuel is made; niche products; and the key challenges. Beyond Promises: Top 10 Facts about Biotech/GM Crops in 2012  A visual presentation of the 10 important highlights about biotech crops in 2012, taken from the ISAAA Brief 44 Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2012