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Point: Genetically Modified Foods will Dramatically Improve Agriculture Around the World. Authors:

Bowman, Jeffrey Griswold, Marcus

Source: Points of View: ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​. 6/1/2018, p2-2. 1p.

Document Type: Article

Subjects: GENETICALLY​ ​modified​ ​foods FOOD​ biotechnology POPULATION PLANT genetic engineering BIOTECHNOLOGY

Abstract: The article emphasizes the necessity and the many benefits of ​genetically modified​ (GM) ​foods​. It notes the importance of GM ​foods​ in relation to the increasing global population. It traces the history of engineered ​food​. The impact of genetic engineering on pesticide use of GM farmers is discussed. It argues that there is no definitive proof that GM ​foods​ are harmful to the environment or to human health so there is no need to ban GM ​foods​.

Lexile: 1250

ISBN: 9781429815529

Accession Number: 26612613

Database: Points of View Reference Center

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Point: ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​ ​will Dramatically​ ​Improve​ ​Agriculture​ ​Around​ the World

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Thesis: ​Despite the controversy surrounding ​genetically​ ​modified​ (GM) ​foods​, these products represent the future of ​world​ ​agriculture​. While there is a clear need to use this technology responsibly, the human population ​will​ experience a growing need for ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ in the years to come.

Summary: ​Human history is inseparable from the history of ​agriculture​. Without ​agriculture​, humans would never have evolved beyond loose groups of hunter-gatherers. For centuries, humans have been perfecting agricultural methods, including cross-breeding and grafting techniques, to increase their ​food supply. ​Genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ represent the newest in a long line of technological innovations intended to increase the ​food​ supply.

The global population continues to increase, and the amount of arable land available for ​farming continues to decrease. With less land and more people, the ​world​ ​will​ continue to experience an increased need for ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ because they produce higher yields on less acreage. Genetic modification is a new technology and scientists have yet to understand its effects on the environment and human health. While it is necessary to examine these factors and use genetic modification responsibly, it is not reasonable to ban the use of this important technology.

A History of Engineered Food

Agriculture​ originated when humans began to domesticate wild plants and animals. Over the following centuries, farmers learned which plants produced larger yields. Farmers would then cross-breed these plants with other species and use the resulting seeds to produce larger ​food​ yields and sustain larger populations. While the original technique did not involve DNA splicing, farmers have been using genetic manipulation for centuries. The domesticated plants we eat today are very 'unnatural,' in that many of them are the genetic opposites of their wild ancestors.

This domestication of plants came about through trial and error. ​Agriculture​ is a difficult endeavor, and natural elements such as drought and insects often cause harvests to fail. Famine has had a frequent and devastating impact on the human population. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, however, scientific discoveries radically broadened the limits of ​agriculture​. Through the new field of genetics, scientists were able to understand DNA and the building blocks of life. These discoveries, in turn, explained how genetic traits are transmitted from generation to generation.

A combination of genetic techniques, mechanical inventions such as tractors, and chemical innovations involving fertilizers and pesticides led to what is known as the 'Green Revolution,' a massive increase in agricultural productivity that vastly increased the global ​food​ supply.

However, more ​food​ means that more people live longer lives; thus, the Green Revolution also contributed to population growth. In the late eighteenth century, Thomas Malthus first understood that while the ​food​ supply increases arithmetically, human populations increase exponentially. This means that the human population tends to increase faster than the ​food​ supply, leading to ​food​ shortages. Indeed, from 1928 to 1999, the ​world​ population tripled from 2 billion to 6 billion. By 2006, a quarter of the world's​ population was under the age of 15. Most census organizations predict that by 2050, if these trends continue, 9 billion people ​will​ reside on our planet. How ​will​ we sustain this population?

A New Stage in the Green Revolution

A number of biotechnology companies have proposed an answer. Since 1995, many companies - most notably the American corporation Monsanto - have been developing and selling ​genetically​ ​modified seeds worldwide. These ​genetically​ ​modified​ plants represent the newest form of cross-breeding. By splicing segments of DNA from one plant into the genomes of other plants, these biotech companies have created crops that are resistant to insects, fungi, bacteria, and weeds. In perhaps the greatest breakthrough, geneticists grafted pesticides and herbicides into the genes of some plants. In the late 1990s, ​genetically​ ​modified​ versions of corn, cotton, potatoes, tomatoes, and soy became widely available on the market. From 1995 to 2005, ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ were planted on 222 million acres. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) predicts that there ​will​ be 370 million acres of genetically​ ​modified​ crops by 2010.

As most ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ contain herbicides and pesticides that convey resistance to insects and blights, farmers can reduce the amount of pesticide they spray on their crops. For example, farmers of GM rice crops in China use 8- to 10-fold lower amounts of pesticides than do farmers using non-GM rice. Furthermore, GM farmers only apply these chemicals once, rather than four times in a season. Ultimately, this reduction in pesticide use ​will​ benefit human health, biodiversity, and water quality in areas where spraying has traditionally taken place.

Another prominent invention was golden rice, developed by Swiss researchers in 2000. This ​genetically modified​ rice provides increased levels of beta-carotene, the building-block for vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiencies cause blindness and increased mortality rates in many of the ​world's​ developing countries. Similarly, ​genetically​ ​modified​ bananas are currently being engineered to confer vaccines against Hepatitis B. The value of GM crops can be increased by adding fats, proteins, and sugars to the plants, and by increasing shelf life to provide a healthy diet for people with limited incomes. ​Genetically modified​ ​foods​ have the potential to become an inexpensive way to provide medicines to developing countries ​around​ the globe, and thus have the potential to revolutionize how we approach public health.

Of course, an increase in public health quality would result in a further increase in the global population. Eventually, ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ ​will​ be essential in meeting the growing demands of the ​world's population growth. In 2004, the International Society for Agricultural Meteorology (INSAM) released a manifesto that stated: "fully eighteen percent of the earth's land mass is currently being used for ​food

production." It is impossible to substantially increase the amount of arable land. Thus, ​genetically modified​ ​foods​ should be used to feed the growing population so that crop yields and crop production can be increased. Though small, GM crops can yield 10 percent more ​food​ than can non-GM crops. Consequently, INSAM has called for further scientific inquiry into both genetic modification and the impact of ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ on the environment.

The Debate over Frankenfoods

There has been a great deal of controversy over ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​, or what some activists label 'frankenfoods.' As of 2009, The European Union and many Latin American nations have banned imports of many ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​. These bans are the result of environmental concerns that genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ interfere with plant genetics. Plants have evolved over millions of years, and inserting foreign DNA into their native genome structures could very well have massive environmental and biological implications. ​Genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ could cross-pollinate with other native plants and create entirely new species. In addition, there is the danger that biotech-resistant weeds and insects ​will evolve, but this tends to occur when crops are sprayed with pesticides. There are also concerns regarding the human health effects of ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​..

However, there has been no definitive proof that ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ are in any way harmful to the environment or to human health. In 1999, Dr. Arpad Pustazi published a study in the British medical journal, Lancet, citing the potential human health hazards posed by ​genetically​ ​modified​ potatoes. The uproar that ensued over Pustazi's methodology has never completely settled. Additionally, a 2007 review of 30 studies did not find any adverse effects in humans when the health implications of GM ​foods​ were compared with non-GM ​foods​. Meanwhile, GM ​foods​ have the potential to provide impoverished nations with jobs and affordable ​food​. Many farmers living in poverty cannot afford the best land and are given land susceptible to drought and high salinity, making their lives difficult. Additionally, climate change predictions indicate an increase in the occurrence of droughts, potentially placing more stress on farmers. Drought resistant GM can grow in saline conditions, allowing these farmers to provide for their families. Additionally, a biotech company known as Syngenta is assisting farmers by providing golden rice, enriched with Vitamin A, free of charge to farmers who make less than $10,000 a year from rice. Thus, GM crops can allow poor farmers to provide for their families and make a better living.

Granted, this biotechnology is a recent scientific breakthrough. Scientists are usually the first to admit that the implications of genetic modification are not fully known. It is not known, for example, if GM ​foods​ ​will create diseases, such as cancer, or causes birth defects. Without a crystal ball, it is impossible to predict all of the environmental and health effects of ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​. Scientists do acknowledge that there are risks involved, but place their trust in regulatory bodies such as the United States ​Food​ and Drug Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency. For better or worse, there is not much that can be done other than prohibiting all research on ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​.

Conclusion

Genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ represent a major expansion of human knowledge. They have the potential to guarantee a continuous ​food​ supply that is nutritious and healthy for people throughout the entire world​. However, this technology is in its infancy and scientists are correct in calling for further research and stricter controls.

Despite these concerns, there remains little doubt that there ​will​ be more and more uses for biotechnology and ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ as the century continues. Meanwhile, the human population increases daily. Without increased use of contraceptives and a push for negative growth rates, we ​will​ continue to struggle to feed these growing populations. ​Genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ offer a solution to this complex and pressing problem.

Ponder This

1. In your opinion, is the author's argument that ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ are just a continuation of the Green Revolution convincing? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the author provides sufficient evidence for his argument that human population growth will​ make

the use of ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ inevitable?

● 3. The author's argument seems to rely on his assertion that the ​world's​ population is growing faster than its ​food​ supply. Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Why or why not?

● 4. Does the author make a convincing case that ​genetically​ ​modified​ ​foods​ ​will​ benefit both human health and the environment?

Bibliography

Books

Castle, David and Michael Ruse, eds. ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​: Debating Biotechnology. New York: Prometheus Press, 2002.

McHughen, Alan. Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potentials and Hazards of ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Rees, Andy. ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Food​: A Short Guide for the Confused. London: Pluto Press, 2006.

Teitel, Martin. ​Genetically​ Engineered ​Food​: Changing the Nature of Nature. Rochester: Park Street Press, 2002.

Periodicals

Anderson, K., et al. "​Genetically​ ​modified​ rice adoption: Implications for welfare and poverty alleviation." CIES Discussion Paper 0413 Washington, DC: ​World​ Bank, 2004.

Brookes, G. and P. Barfoot. "GM rice: ​Will​ this lead the way for global acceptance of GM crop technology?'" ISAAA Briefs No. 28-2003 Ithaca: Cornell University, 2003.

Cohen, J. "Poorer nations turn to publicly developed GM crops." Nature Biotechnology 23.1 (2005): 27-33.

Coleman, Gerald D. "Is Genetic Engineering the Answer to Hunger?" America 192.4 (21 Feb. 2005): 16.

Deal, Walter F., and Stephen L. Baird. "​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​: A Growing Need." Technology Teacher 62.7 (Apr. 2003): 18. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=946 3607&site=ehost-live​.

Domingo, J. "Toxicity studies of ​genetically​ ​modified​ plants: A review of the published literature." Critical Reviews in ​Food​ Science and Nutrition 47 (2007):721-733.

"​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Food​ and the Poor." New York Times (13 Oct. 2003): 20. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009

Hicks, Lynn. "Sowing the 'optimistic science.'" demoinesregister.com. 12 March 2011 http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110313/BUSINESS03/103130321/-1/SPORTS09/Sowing-opt imistic-science-​.

Huang, J., et al. "Assessing Productivity and Health Effects in China

Insect-Resistant GM Rice in Farmers' Fields." Science 308.688 (2005): 688-690.

James, C. "Global Status of Commercialized Transgenic Crops: 2002, ISAAA Briefs No. 27: Preview." Ithaca: Internrational Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, 2002.

Jefferson, Valeria. "The Ethical Dilemma of ​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Food​." Journal of Environmental Health 69.1 (July 2006): 33-34. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=216 46210&site=ehost-live​.

Jonas, et al. "Safety Considerations of DNA in ​Food​." Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism 45.6 (Nov. 2001): 235-254. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=113 33678&site=ehost-live​.

JUAN WILLIAMS. "Analysis: Whether ​genetically​ ​modified​ crops should be harvested in Third ​World countries." Talk of the Nation (NPR) . Points of View Reference Center. EBSCO. 22 May 2009

"Kenya could reap big by supporting investments in smart science." standardmedia.co.ke. 3 March 2011 http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/InsidePage.php?id=2000031530&cid=289&story=Kenya%20coul d%20reap%20big%20by%20supporting%20investments%20in%20smart%20science​.

Lessick, Mira, et al. "​Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods​: A Taste of the Future." MEDSURG Nursing 11.5 (Oct. 2002): 242. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=751 9654&site=ehost-live​.

Lewontin, Richard. "Genes in the ​Food​!" New York Review of Books 48.10 (21 June 2007). Online. http://www.nybooks.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/articles/14298​.

Mae-Wan Ho, Joe Cummins, and Peter Saunders. "GM ​food​ nightmare unfolding in the regulatory sham." Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease 19.2 (June 2007): 66-77. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 22 May 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=255 07916&site=ehost-live​.

"Should the FDA Adopt a Stricter Policy on ​Genetically​ Engineered ​Foods​? CON." Congressional Digest 80.10 (Mar. 2001): 77. Points of View Reference Center. EBSCO. 22 May 2009

http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=448 3493&site=pov-live​.

"U.S. targeted EU on GM ​foods​: WikiLeaks." cbc.ca. 8 March 2011 http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/08/​genetically​-​modified​-​food​.html​.

These essays and any opinions, information or representations contained therein are the ​creation​ of the particular author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of EBSCO Information Services.

~~~~~~~~

By Jeffrey Bowman and Marcus Griswold

Marcus Griswold is a PhD researcher in the ecological sciences with a focus on aquatic ecology. His work examines the interface between natural and human created disturbances to ecosystems with a focus on species as indicators of disturbance.

Copyright of Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods is the property of Great Neck Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

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Point: The Many Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods. By: Pearson, John, Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, 6/1/2018

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Point: The ​Many​ ​Benefits​ of Genetically​ ​Modified​ ​Foods

Contents

1. A Second Green Revolution

2. History of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

3. Breaking Political Resistance to GM Crops

4. GM Crops and International Trade

5. Worldwide Support for GM Foods

6. Environmental Benefits of Growing GM Crops

7. The Future of GM Foods

8. Ponder This:

9. Bibliography

10. Books

11. Websites

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Thesis: ​The use of biotechnology to genetically​ enhance ​food​ crops is simply a more efficient extension of crossbreeding and grafting techniques that have been used for thousands of years to produce improved strains of crops.

Summary: ​The use of biotechnology to genetically​ enhance ​food​ crops is simply a more efficient extension of crossbreeding and grafting techniques that have been used for thousands of years to produce improved strains of crops. With the rapid advances of genetic engineering at the end of the twentieth century, it is now possible to produce seed crops that not only have improved taste and nutrition, but also that resist pests, disease, drought and flood. This reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers, and allows for low tillage farming that protects the environment by preserving topsoil and water resources. Particularly in developing countries where current crops often fail, such technology could dramatically increase yields, helping to alleviate hunger and disease among populations now living in poverty.

A Second Green Revolution

There is an unfortunate disparity in the world at the turn of the twenty-first century: while population growth continues to soar in developing countries, the amount of farmland worldwide is shrinking. Reasons for the loss of farmland include the depletion of soils due to poor farming practices and encroachment of development to meet the demands of expanding cities and towns.

There was a burst of ​food​ production from 1950 to 1970, as new equipment and chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers) became widely available to farmers in developed countries. However, increasing gains in ​food production brought about by this "green revolution" in farm technology were largely exhausted by 1980. In contrast, world population has continued to skyrocket, and is expected to expand by another 50 percent in the next 50 years.

If left unchecked, this trend of shrinking food​ resources and growing population will exacerbate the staggering problems of hunger and malnourishment that have caused an estimated 300 million deaths worldwide since 1970.

However, the application of modern genetic science to crop breeding could dramatically change this equation. The potential for increased yields exists only in the West, but even more so in developing countries, ​many​ of which cannot afford to import ​food​ and may not have the infrastructure or government support necessary to effectively

distribute humanitarian ​food​ aid. This revolution in the makeup of seeds themselves could create a new green revolution for developing countries that were unable to take advantage of previous technological advances, either due to the expense of modern farming equipment or simply because crops were not hardy enough to endure tough local growing conditions.

History of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

In 1995, the Monsanto Corporation gained approval for pest-resistant cotton and potatoes, and for soybeans designed to be treated with a specific herbicide. Farmers immediately saw the benefits​ from these crops during the 1996 and 1997 growing seasons. In 1998, a newly introduced Monsanto herbicide-friendly seed corn quickly sold out before the growing season began. By 2003, more than 70 percent of cotton and soybeans and about 34 percent of corn planted in the US were of GM varieties. The disproportionate amount of soybean acreage reflects the relatively high susceptibility of soybeans to incursion from broadleaf weeds.

Fruit crops have also benefited from genetic advances, particularly in longer shelf life. This characteristic would again be of particular ​benefit​ to developing countries with limited storage and transportation options. As it stands today, even after a good harvest, the crop often spoils before it can be eaten in such areas.

Breaking Political Resistance to GM Crops

While reaction to GM crops was overwhelming positive among American farmers and generally made little splash among American consumers, the European community was quick to raise questions about ​food​ safety. Europe is the world's largest importer of agricultural products, along with Japan, and both officials and consumers in Europe were already concerned about ​food​ supplies due to the outbreak of mad cow disease that hit Britain in the mid-1980s.

Today, the majority of corn products sold in the US are made from ​genetically modified​ grain. This trend of GM crops taking over their respective markets due to their superior quality and the simple fact that Americans have consumed so many​ such products, without reporting any ill effects, is beginning to break down resistance among consumers from the traditional grain-importing countries. A 2002 survey of British consumers showed the percentage unconcerned about labeling of GM ​food​ sources had increased by 12 percent from 2000 results, up to 41 percent.

GM Crops and International Trade

In May 2003, the US government called for open trade in GM crops, filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization accusing the European Union (EU) of unfairly restricting imports of GM grain. The US complaint challenged the EU to show scientific evidence of harm from GM crops and

called strict farm-to-fork tracking of GM foods​, including specific consumer labeling, unnecessary.

Some critics also see the new crops as an example of corporate hegemony over world agricultural production, as GM crops have mainly been engineered by large multinational corporations. This political argument against the introduction of GM crops in areas such as Africa could be nullified by the creation of corporate partnerships with local farmers and governments to develop new seeds. International groups such as the World Bank and other non-​profit​ organizations could take a role in distributing the seeds in poor countries.

This private-public partnership is now coming to pass with golden rice -- a variety of rice that was developed with funding from the EU, the Swiss government, the Rockefeller Foundation, and drug maker AstraZeneca. The rice contains beta-carotene, which the human body converts to vitamin-A. In the poorest areas of Asia, vitamin-A deficiency is related to death or blindness among more than one million children annually.

Worldwide Support for GM Foods

Many​ of the countries that could most benefit​ from GM crops have little influence in the court of world opinion. One notable exception was seen in a 2000 Washington Post editorial by Hassan Adamu, Nigeria's minister of agricultural and rural development. Adamu quoted African scientist Florence

Wambugu, writing that "in Africa, GM food​ could almost literally weed out poverty." Adamu went on to point out that while more affluent countries have the luxury of arguing the finer points of food​ production, ​many​ African countries face poor growing conditions that thwart any attempts to grow traditional crops.

Many​ respected international organizations have come out in support of GM ​foods​. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that GM crops are "making major improvements in both food​ quality and nutrition." The United Nations' Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) reported that GM crops could help the continent move toward sustainable development and cited the success of GM corn and cotton crops in South Africa and Egypt.

A 2000 American Medical Association (AMA) report discounted the danger of GM ​foods​, saying that the risks associated with such crops are not substantially different than those produced by traditional breeding methods. The report recommended that regulation of crops be guided by the plant itself -- its characteristics and use -- not by breeding techniques. It went on to say that special labeling of ​foods​ made from GM crops was scientifically unjustified.

Ismail Serageldin, speaking on behalf of the World Bank, called the use of GM crops "crucial" to developing countries in the twenty-first century. He said such crops "could be a tremendous help in meeting the challenge of feeding an additional three billion human beings, 95 percent of them in the poor developing

countries, on the same amount of land and water currently available."

Environmental Benefits of Growing GM Crops

The use of GM crops has already had a substantial positive impact on the environment in the US. A National Center for ​Food​ and Agricultural Policy study estimates a total reduction in pesticide use of 46 million pounds in 2001, thanks to GM crops.

In developing countries, efforts to meet the growing demand for ​food​ will probably result in further exhaustion of existing farmland, leading farmers to cut down more forest acreage in a search for fertile soils. GM crops offer an alternative to this environmental catastrophe by providing increased yields from existing farmlands.

The Future of GM Foods

GM ​foods​ even hold the potential to make ​foods​ easier to digest and free of allergens. Monsanto is already working on strains of peanuts that would at least reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, now a deadly threat to the most sensitive individuals. Research on wheat is underway to eliminate the portion of the protein gluten that is now basically indigestible by as ​many​ as one in 250 in the US.

GM crops could eventually sustain the soil, even as they take nourishment from

it at the same time. While commonsense precautions are warranted in the development of new plants, as with any new ​food​-related product, the ​benefits of applying genetic science to crop production are overwhelming positive.

Ponder This:

1. Outline the major ​benefits​ of genetically​ ​modified​ ​food​ crops cited by the author.

● 2. For which ​benefit​ does the author make the most convincing argument? Explain.

● 3. For which ​benefit​ does the author make the least convincing argument? Explain.

● 4. How do the views of EU leaders on ​genetically modified​ ​food​ crops differ from those of leaders of less affluent nations?

● 5. In the dispute between the EU and US over the safety of genetically​ ​modified​ ​food crops, should the burden lie with the US to prove safety or the EU to prove harm? Discuss.

Bibliography

Books

Degregori, Thomas R. Bountiful Harvest: Technology, ​Food​ Safety, and the Environment. Washington, DC: Cato Institute, 2002.

Pinstrup-Andersen, Per and Ebbe Schioler. Seeds of Contention: World Hunger and the Global Controversy Over GM (​Genetically​ ​Modified​) Crops. Washington, DC: International ​Food Policy Research Institute, 2001.

Lambrecht, Bill. Dinner at the New Gene Cafe: How Genetic Engineering Is Changing What We Eat, How We Live, and the Global Politics of ​Food​. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2002.

Charles, Daniel. Lords of the Harvest: Biotech, Big Money, and the Future of Food​. New York: Perseus Publishing, 2002.

Websites

AgBioWorld Foundation. http://www.agbioworld.org/​.

"Transgenic Crops. An Introduction and Resource Guide." Colorado State University Center for Life Sciences, 12 August, 2003, http://www.colostate.edu/programs/lifesci ences/TransgenicCrops/​.

Rehberg, Denny. "GM ​foods​ can help feed world." Montana Forum. 18 August

2003. http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/ 2003/08/17/build/ag/gm-op.php?nnn=6​.

"​Genetically​ Improved ​Foods​." Center for Consumer Freedom. 18 August 2003. http://www.consumerfreedom.com/issue page%5Ffoodtech%5Fbio.cfm​.

"GM ​food​ safety fear 'based on distortion'." NewScientist.com. 18 August 2003. http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/g m/gm.jsp?id=ns99993874​.

"Report 10 of the Council on Scientific Affairs (I-2000): ​Genetically​ ​Modified Crops and ​Foods​." The American Medical Association. 12 August 2003. http://www.ama-assn.org.chamberlainuni versity.idm.oclc.org/ama/pub/article/2036 -3604.html​.

"'Frankenfood' Frenzy." Reason Online. 18 August 2003. http://reason.com/bi/bi-gmf.shtml​.

● These essays and any opinions, information or representations contained therein are the creation of the particular author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of EBSCO Information Services.

~~~~~~~~

By John Pearson

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