The World Bank today [Thursday] established a global panel that till be tasked with assessing the safety of technology used to boost agricultural output, including genetic modification.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


World Bank chief scientist Robert Watson will chair the panel, which will examine the evidence that genetically engineered food is safe for human consumption, and investigate whether it poses a threat to the environment.


While some 13 million people in the southern African countries face the threat of famine, three countries affected have recently turned away food aid on the grounds that it contained GM maize that could contaminate its own food supply.


The panel will hold its first meeting in Dublin in November, to be followed by consultations with groups including consumers, farmers, scientists, governments and the private sector to produce a global assessment on agricultural science.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact