For some, genetically modified (GM) food represents a key element in the fight against hunger and disease. It offers the world a bright new future free from famine and illness. Yet for other, the GM route
is a reckless road we are being forced down by big business, which may have disastrous consequences the planet and our safety. So, who are we to believe? Well, in this month’s issue, we take a closer
look at this controversial and divisive topic.
For supporters argue that for farmers, and indeed for all of
us, the advantages of GM crops are overwhelming: GM crops
are resistant to pests, resulting in better quality plants that
yield bigger harvests.
Drought-resistant and cold-resistant GM crops can help
secure a reliable food supply in even the most inhospitable
weather conditions. So, more food for everyone! And that’s
important, proponents say, as hundreds of millions of people
around the world are already suffering from hunger, and by
2050, the population of the world will probably have
increased to over nine billion. How else are we to feed the
World we have a responsibility to feed the earth’s poor and
hungry and GM crops offer the only realistic way of preventing mass starvation.
What’s more, supporters argue that GM crops can provide improved nutrition to help fight disease and illness. They talk of tomatoes that could be capable of preventing cancer, and staples
like rice and potatoes that could be boosted in nutrients to perhaps give a whole day’s nourishment in a single.So, GM production means healthier food delivered in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way that helps us deal with the population challenges of tomorrow.
AGAINST
Not surprising, the development of GM crops does have its critics. The potential risks, they claim, cannot be ignored. The chemicals that are needed to grow GM crops can be harmful
to animals and insects, and so disturb the food chain. They fear the emergence of “superbugs” capable of withstanding any pesticides. Farmers worry about genetic transfer, where
GM crops could escape and crossbreed with wild plants. They say there could be no way back from such contamination. Opponents of GM crops also point to their unknown effects on humans.
They say we cannot be sure exactly how these designer crops will affect us in the long term. They also argue that the advantages have been grossly exaggerated and point to some studies that show GM crops deliver lower yields than conventionally grown crops.
Others worry about the potential grip of big business on farming. They claim that GM crops are being pushed by multinational
biotech companies purely for profit reasons. They worry about Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT)-where a so-called “Terminator” gene can be introduced to crops, so
that no seeds are produced and farmers have to buy fresh seeds each year from the manufacturer. Although only a theoretical possibility at present, many fear the introduction of GURT in the future.
There’s one thing we can be sure of: more GM developments are on the way. Proponents talk of bananas that contain vaccines against infectious diseases, geneticall y modified fish
that grow more quickly, and cloned animals for food.
While many fear such “Frankenstein foods,” as long as there is a demand, GM food production will continue to flourish. Today, the U.S. and Argentina grow the majority of GM crops (mainly soybean, corn, and cotton). Tomorrow, perhaps all our fruit and vegetables, even the meat we eat, will be genetically modified.