If we want to feed the world, we must go GM
The UK’s The Telegraph newspaper published an op-ed on a statement Prince Charles made against genetically modified foods. The author writes that while he is in agreement with a lot of what Prince Charles says, he does not support Charles’ opinion on biotechnology. He points out that scientific research shows that GM food will help reduce starvation in a world that is growing too fast.
C.S. Prakash
If we want to feed the world, we must go GM
The Telegraph
13/08/2008
Prince Charles is right on many things. Modern architecture - much of it an eyesore. Standards in schools - woefully low. Protecting Britain's landscape - a noble aim.
On genetically modified crops, however - the issue that he discusses with Jeff Randall in today's Daily Telegraph - I fear he's wrong.
I am not a scientist, but rummage around in the scientific research about GM and a clear picture emerges: if we want to reduce starvation and "feed the world", as Sir Bob Geldof et al tell us every Christmas, we must go GM.
The argument in favour of GM crops begins with a simple one: the world is growing fast.
More mouths to feed means more food. Since 1970, the per capita consumption of calories in China has leapt by 50 per cent, in India by 25 per cent. Developing countries' demand for meat grew threefold.
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Comments
That remark about "feed the world" with GM crops is interesting.
Many commodities on international markets *are* GM--up to 90 percent in many instances.
Looks like 'feeding the world' to me.
The question, "whose side are you on - Malthus's or Monsanto's?" is particularly astute.
Many people *are* on Malthus' side, and they're willing to demand laws and policies which will fulfill Malthus' prophesies by government edict.
Which is, of course, not very nice of them.
Posted by: Andrew Apel | August 22, 2008 8:36 PM
C.S. Prakash's comments are not correct. There is certainly some evidence that some GM crops assist agriculture, although "that GM food will help reduce starvation in a world that is growing too fast" is just PR hype. However there is surprisingly little evidence that even the few GM crops already being grown have been adequately tested for safety to animals, including mankind, and the environment. Why don't the pro-GM lobby actively promote adequate regulatory control and testing - that would be the most effective way of answering critics.
Posted by: Adrian Gibbs | August 24, 2008 12:16 AM