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　　3/22 A letter from Cohort 9 Yao Zhuyun

Dear All,

Once the topic come to the GMO, it always make me stand up to defence for it. I understand actually the public awareness of agbiotech is very low in China and most people are lack of knowledge about biotechnology.

Unfortunately, lots of media reports mislead the tune and give the public the wrong information about GMO food.

Lailai, I can expect it will be a long long discussion if we just talk by emails because most of us are lack of background knowledge and the basic sense about the biotechnology and GMOs, and it's really hard to discuss it without a general understanding of the overall situation. If the topic draws a certain attention and you think it's necessary, I would propose a half day seminar, either independently or combine with other activities, we can invite some local scientists and government officers/regulators to clarify the issues. Also, I can address the world situation about GMO if I can make my trip to China then.

I just want to call everyone to view the GMO scientifically, NOT emotionally.

Best regards,
Yao Zhuyun

　　3/25 A letter from Cohort 1 Zhao Wei

It was interesting to see the debate and discussion among the LEAD family members on the GMO issues. I agree with Yao Zhuyun, we have to see the issues scientifically rather than emotionally. I am afraid that the decisions made by governments, companies and NGOs are mostly based on economic and political grounds and not on the scientific ground.

Unfortunately, the scientists are providing conflicting evidences as I saw at CSD8 and in other occasions. It will be great if someone in LEAD can put together some background information and an overview of the current debate to clear the clouds and present the truth, even if the truth is that scientifically, it is uncertain whether MGOs will be beneficial or harmful.

Then we know that governments have to make choices on behalf of their country and people based on scientific uncertainty.

Zhao Wei