Today’s Feeding the World Conference in London will address the hotly debated use of genetically modified(GM) crops to address the global food crisis (apologies to British readers who didn’t get the word sooner).  While proponents of GM crops argue that the benefits of increased yields and nutritional value outweigh concerns over genetic manipulation, recent studies are reinforcing support for organic solutions to  global food concerns.  I fully believe that GM crops are not the answer, and that we can find ways address the problems of worldwide hunger through organic methods.  There are too many risks involved with GM crops, which place control of food in the hands of a few multinational corporations and reduces food security.  Many people argue that we already produce enough food to feed everyone and that the real problem lies in the politics of distribution.

Here is an excerpt from a  panel discussion at the Slow Food Conference some of us attended over Labor Day weekend, with Vandana Shiva laying it down about GM technology:

takepart and learn more with Participant Media’s upcoming film Food, Inc.

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The Bush administration has added controversial language to a $770 million world food aid package that would promote the use of genetically modified crops (GMOs) in nations suffering from food shortages. The use of GMOs is a widely disputed issue in both the US and abroad, with some countries in Europe banning them entirely. Proponents say that GMOs can create higher crop yields and survive harsher climates than regular crops.

Opponents say GMOs can cause allergies and other medical problems in those who consume them. They also contend that this additional language to the food aid package is really meant to benefit agro-business firms like Monsanto, one of the biggest chemical companies in the world, and the technology provider for 90 percent of the world’s genetically engineered crops.

The World According to Monsanto 1 of 4 27min

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