Monsanto Pulls the Plug on Genetically Modified Wheat

摘要

Last week herbicide-resistant wheat became the latest casualty in the GM wars. It is one of a string of new genetically modified products, such as insect-resistant potatoes, that have been shelved because of fear of consumer objections. Monsanto's decision to halt plans to commercialize Roundup Ready wheat is not a huge setback for the company, biotech proponents are quick to point out. Indeed, ag-biotech is booming: In 2003, 68 million hectares in 18 countries were planted with GM crops, a 15% increase from 2002. But Monsanto's decision does reflect an industrywide trend, observers say: With market demand uncertain, companies like Monsanto are retreating from risky projects and sticking mainly to tried-and-true moneymakers―varieties of corn, soy-beans, canola, and cotton.