GM Crops and Foods: Promises, Profits and Politics

摘要

The crudest lie about Genetically Manipulated (GM) crops and foods is that they can 'feed the world'. GM companies use empty promises of bountiful, designer foods to foist GM onto reluctant governments, farmers and shoppers. The UN says there is now enough food to feed everyone but our social priorities and conflicts allow a billion people to starve. GM technology cannot right this injustice, but false promises take scarce resources away from finding durable solutions to feeding, housing and clothingus all. Independent scientific evidence also shows that some GM foods may pose risks to human and animal health and the environment, but industry censorship hides the truth. Since commercial GM canola seed was first sold in some Australian states in 2008, GM contamination is imposing extra costs and losses on farmers and the food industry. Australia also risks losing its unique competitive advantage as the main supplier of GM-free grains to world markets. Farmer Protection laws that make the owners and users of GM responsible for their products have growing support. A more precautionary, open and scientific regulatory regime on all GM plants, animals and micro-organisms is also needed.