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“Golden rice,” which is genetically modified to increase vitamin A levels and help people in poorer countries avoid blindness, is not passing muster in terms of yields and agronomic performance according the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

In a press release, IRRI stated: “Average yield [of GM golden rice] was unfortunately lower than that from comparable local varieties already preferred by farmers.”

IRRI went on to state that “more research is needed” to address the yield drag.
In addition, IRRI has also previously made clear that it still isn’t known whether golden rice is safe or even works: “It has not yet been determined whether daily consumption of golden rice does improve the vitamin A status of people who are vitamin A deficient and could therefore reduce related conditions such as night blindness.”

For nearly 15 years, GMO supporters have promised that the GMO beta-carotene- enriched rice variety would help address vitamin A deficiencies and prevent blindness in millions of people worldwide. Opponents have dismissed golden rice as a public relations stunt meant to improve the damaged image of a technology that is facing increasing rejection worldwide. (SOURCE: GM Watch)