58 GERMINATION.CA MARCH 2018 WORLD STATUS rice varieties that have more iron, zinc, and beta-carotene content to help people get more of these important micronutrients. These healthier rice varieties can complement current strategies to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. BRITAIN A REVOLUTION IN agricultural productivity will be needed — and fast — if producers are to capitalize on Brexit, continue to feed the nation and protect the environment. AUSTRALIA THE AUSTRALIA New Zealand Food Standards Code has been amended to include food derived from provitamin A rice line GR2E (Golden Rice), a beta-carotene biofortified genetically modified rice under development at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The publication of the Food Standards variance in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on Feb. 22 marks com- pletion of the regulatory process under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). FSANZ is responsible for carrying out safety assessments of GM foods on behalf of the Australian government, the state and territory governments of Australia, and the Government of New Zealand. Upon completion of its assessment of GR2E rice, FSANZ concluded that Golden Rice is as safe for human con- sumption as food derived from conventional rice varieties. A flagship product of IRRI’s Healthier Rice program, GR2E Golden Rice is the first nutri- tionally enhanced GM rice to receive regulatory approval for use in food. Healthier rice varieties have the potential to reach many people because rice is already widely grown and eaten. IRRI is developing Australia helps pave the way for Golden Rice, while the “doomsday” seed vault gets $13 million in upgrades courtesy of the Norwegian government.