In a recent column I explored the question of labeling
genetically modified (GM) crops and discussed the problem of superweeds
resistant to ‘Roundup’ and pollen drift from GM fields to adjacent non-GM
fields. I decided to devote this
column to the question of whether GM crops are needed to feed a growing world
population. What I found is that
while there is controversy about this issue, GM soybeans, corn, cotton and
other crops are widely used throughout the world.
GM cotton has been planted in India and China, with a
gene for BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) inserted to serve as insecticide. Initially successful, it has given rise
to resistant pests that have also attacked other food crops. Farmers also complain that GM seed is
3-8 times more expensive than ordinary seed.
GM soybeans
are widely planted in the US, Brazil, Argentina and China, and are mainly used
as feed for cattle, swine and chickens. Without this crop, Europe would have to
cut back on meat, dairy and egg production. Soybean production in Brazil, used for biodiesel and animal feed, is resulting
cutting of the Amazon rainforest.
Corn originated in Mexico, which is the home for
hundreds of varieties. Mexican
framers fear that widespread planting of GM corn will lead to contamination of
native varieties. Mexico has legalized GM corn planting,
but the issue is extremely controversial. 88% of U.S. corn is GM.
Golden rice, genetically modified to contain
carotenes that will help with Vitamin A deficiency, has been planned for years
and is now being tested in the Philippines, India and Taiwan. Funding has come from the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation to increase the bioavailability of pro-vitamin A, vitamin E, iron and zinc
in
golden rice, thereby preventing blindness and malnutrition
in children in India, the Philippines and many African countries. Companies that have developed golden
rice have said that they will allow farmers to save and replant seed, and will
not charge royalties until a farmer makes more than $10,000 year from golden
rice. Greenpeace and Dr. Vandana
Shiva, the Indian anti-GMO activist, oppose the introduction of golden rice
because of corporate control of agriculture, loss of biodiversity, and ignoring
other important sources of carotenes such as green vegetables and fruits.
On the one hand, GM crops for basic foods like corn, soy and
canola are widely planted and used throughout the world. They have been
successful in increasing supplies of animal feed and human food. On the other hand, they have degraded
the environment and resulted in resistant pests and weeds. But these arguments pro and con are
dwarfed by the larger reality of the world’s growing population and a
transition from food surpluses to food and water scarcity in many parts of the
world. There is serious aquifer depletion in China, India and the U.S.,
countries that produce half the world’s grain. Food prices are rising and will continue to rise, according
to Lester Brown of the Earth Policy Institute. Brown’s latest book, Full
Planet, Empty Plates, takes a serious look food & water scarcity and is
a call to action. He calls for cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2020,
emphasizing wind and solar energy.
Brown is also strong on the need for worldwide family planning and the
education of women. The failure to
take family planning seriously in most discussions of food and water scarcity,
megacities and relentless population growth is troubling. Wherever it has been introduced widely,
on a voluntary basis, there has been a significant drop in birth rates. South Korea and Taiwan have reduced
their birth rates below replacement, and Thailand has also been successful with
their program. Meeting women’s wishes for fewer children with modern
contraceptives in South Asia and Africa could be tremendously helpful, but providing
information and supplies, and overcoming cultural obstacles is a huge
task. An estimated 222 million
women in developing countries do not want another pregnancy but lack access to
contraception. Many organizations
are working on this, and deserve support. Obama is calling for increased funds
for international family planning - $635.4 million. In the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Melinda Gates is making family
planning/contraception her priority for the next decade. I should write another column on the many
organizations that work on this issue.
If the environment is your issue, take a look at The Center for
Biological Diversity, which links work to prevent extinction of wild animals
and plants. I appreciate the fact
that they have an endangered species condom project, thereby linking human
population growth with species extinction and climate change. The Sierra Club has yet to take a
strong stand on population growth nationally. Stay tuned.
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