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80% of America's
soy is now grown from genetically modified seed. Richard Hollingham asks:
are GMOs (genetically modified organisms) the future of farming, or are
they a reckless experiment with our food?
In the space of seven years, genetically modified crops have made huge
inroads into US agriculture. 80% of soybeans planted have been modified
to withstand the herbicide "Round-Up" which is used to control
weeds. And one third of the corn crop has now been engineered to resist
a major insect pest, the European corn borer.
Supporters of genetical modification say that these seeds are good for
the farmer because they reduce labour and increase yields, and good for
the environment because they require fewer pesticides and herbicides.
Opponents see it differently - they say that no one can predict the long
term impact of GMOs on other plant life and on the health of the soil.
There's some evidence of irrevocable soil bacteria adaptation already.
They also object to the patents and licensing agreements which, they maintain,
deprive farmers of control over their livelihoods.
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