A recent report was snubbed by the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia despite its resounding support from sixty countries, the World Bank, most UN bodies, and 400 scientists.

The reason?

The report states that world hunger is a distribution problem, not a shortage problem. And given this diagnosis, genetically-modified foods – which are usually manufactured to increase yields – appear to be irrelevant. It's not what the U.S. and Co. wanted to hear considering their countries' intensive GMO research and connections with GM corporations.

It also states that biofuel crops are threatening to plunge the world into crisis. Staple food prices have risen over 100% in some countries, resulting in hunger and riots, with more violence on the horizon. The report, entitled International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development says that the world produces enough for everyone, but still 800 million+ go hungry.

Backers of the report are critical of governments who stress food production increase, without regard to food security and natural resource conservation. Food production and worldwide food trade has led to unequal distribution of benefits and is contributing to climate change.

Most of all, GMOs are not a panacea but a distraction from the real solutions. "Assessment of the [GM] technology lags behind its development, information is anecdotal and contradictory, and uncertainty about possible benefits and damage is unavoidable," said the report.

Source: The Age (Australia)

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment