The primary transmission route of Zika virus is via the Aedes mosquito. However, mounting evidence has shown that sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible and more common than previously assumed. This is of concern due to an association between Zika virus infection and adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes, including microcephaly, neurological complications and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) has published the Scientific Opinion on the safety of herbicide tolerant and insect resistant genetically modified maize Bt11 × 59122 × MIR604 ×1507 × GA21, referred to as 'five-event stack maize' and 20 subcombinations (referred to as ‘subcombinations independently of their origin' in line with the Commission implementing regulation (EU) No 503/2013).

The Agricultural Genetics Institute of Vietnam and Pioneer Hi-Bred Vietnam Company Ltd. cultivated seeds of GM maize event MON810 for confined trial on March 17, 2016 in Van Giang district, Hung Yen province. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development approved the trials in January 2016.

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced the call for submissions on biotech potato line E12, which has reduced acrylamide potential and reduced browning traits. It was developed by Simplot and has been approved for commercial use in the U.S. and Canada.

The global genetically modified (GM) seeds market will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) close to 10% by 2020, says a new report by Technavio, a global technology research and advisory company. Technavio's latest report, Global Genetically Modified Seeds Market 2016-2020, covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global GM seeds market for 2016-2020.

Dr. Jikun Huang has been awarded an Agriculture and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of agricultural or applied economics. Huang was a PhD scholar in agricultural economics at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) from 1987 to 1990 while studying at the nearby University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is inviting children and young people to share their ideas on the threat of climate change to food security through the international World Food Day contest.
 

For 2 days, climate change was the topic of discussion at the Eighth International Congress on Sustainable Rural Development, which took place in Palmira, Valle. Organized by the municipality as part of the 41st National Agricultural Fair, the event attracted key CIAT scientists, who shared the Center´s work on different aspects of climate change and discussed strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

A new and interactive tool released by FAO allows farmers, policy makers and scientists to calculate meat, milk and eggs production as well as greenhouse-gas emissions from livestock to make the sector more productive and more climate-friendly. 

Food security and agriculture have an essential role to play in preventing conflicts and crises on the African continent, blunting their impacts and acting as engines for post-crisis recovery. This was the central message of FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva to African leaders and international development actors gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, today for one of the foremost summits on African development.