Genetically modified (GM) food is developed from specially modified seeds and animal embryos. Scientists identify — and then introduce into seeds or embryos — genes that are likely to make the seeds or embryos grow into bigger and stronger plants or animals. The process of genetic modification involves scientists introducing into the seeds or embryos genes from different species. For example, in animal-to-animal genetic modification, human genes have been introduced into pig embryos to increase the growing pig’s resistance to diseases, and in animal-to-vegetable modification fish genes have been introduced into tomato seeds to increase the productivity of the seeds.

The mixing of genes is known as “splicing” and scientists refer to “splicing genes together.” The treated seeds or embryos are then grown as an experiment and the results are recorded. If the experiment is considered successful, a crop will be grown — but grown apart 15 from ordinary (non-GM) crops and wild plants so as to avoid cross- fertilization. The crop yield (the amount of consumable food produced) is then measured and compared to the yield produced from non-GM sources.

Although GM food has been around for twenty years, there 20 is still much debate over the effects of growing GM crops on the environment, or the effects of consuming such food on humans. GM food companies, many scientists and some governments (especially those of poor countries) are very anxious to promote GM food while others, notably environmental groups, are completely opposed to the idea 25 of growing food which is based on the principles of genetic engineering.

The arguments of both sides are quite easy to summarize: the promoters of GM food have pointed out the value of GM food in feeding the world’s growing population and have promoted the view that a well-fed world population would be a stable one and, 30 therefore, less likely to start wars. However, environmentalists and some scientists have argued that the cross-species mixing of genes is unnatural and is likely to have harmful effects in the long term. The opponents of genetic modification also argue that eating GM food may lead to illness among humans and to a complete change in the 35 natural balance of plant and animal life as genetically modified forms begin to dominate natural ones.

The arguments need to be looked at in more detail. Promoters of GM food emphasize greater crop yields, but GM crops have a further advantage: in the laboratory, seeds can be made resistant to diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Also, because GM seeds grow into large and strong plants, they are better able to fight against extremes of climate such as excessive rain or sun. This means that GM crops do not need to be treated with chemicals while they are growing — such as artificial fertilizers or pesticides. GM crops are designed to be so strong that they do not need help in growing or in fighting insects, viruses or bacteria.

All this means that GM food will help to make a cleaner agricultural environment. Most people are aware of the problems caused, for example, by fertilizers getting into water supplies where they cause plants in the water to grow so quickly that they soon deprive the water of oxygen and thus kill the wildlife which lives in the water. Similarly, many cases have been reported of humans and wild animals becoming seriously ill or even dying from eating food containing pesticides. Promoters of GM food claim, then, that genetically modified crops will not only feed the world’s population, but will also help to save the Earth’s natural environment.

Another argument in favour of GM food is that worldwide there is a shortage of good land for farming, but GM food will allow developing nations to maximize their agricultural resources and relieve them from the burden of having to fight for survival. In turn, this will allow such countries to concentrate on developing their industrial infrastructure which will help develop their economy. Apart from relieving suffering, some people hold that GM food may also contribute to world peace, since well- fed tribes are less likely to make war on their neighbours.

Those who favour GM food point out that no negative effects have been reported as a result of people eating GM food and, in fact, the soybeans grown in most parts of the world were genetically modified more than twenty years ago and appear to have had no negative effects on health. Another important point is this: if a product is potentially dangerous, tobacco products for example, the benefits of removing the harmful chemicals by genetic modification are obvious.

Opponents of GM food, however, have pointed out that such food is grown from genes taken from different species and we do not know the long-term effects on health of this mixing. They argue that in our existing state of knowledge it is too risky to eat GM food. Opponents also argue that existing health problems (e.g. allergies) may be made worse by consuming GM food because it has never been part of the human food supply and consequently there may be hidden unpredictable consequences for some people. This is a serious concern: in a recent experiment a soybean was implanted with genes from a nut. Researchers found out just in time — just before the soybean was due to be sold to farmers — that the bean could cause fatal reactions in people who are allergic to nuts.

GM crops are often made resistant to disease caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, but this treatment often kills beneficial insects such as bees, which are essential for the successful fertilization of many plant species. A very serious disadvantage of GM crops is that they are all very similar genetically and this means that they may have few defences against new forms of viruses and fungi. Scientists have already shown how quickly a virus can change its form to overcome the resistance of its victim.

Developed countries have different attitudes to GM food. Europeans are more doubtful than Americans about the benefits and so European countries have tougher regulations on food production than the USA. In some countries GM food is banned while in others it must be clearly labelled so that people are aware of what they are buying. Large companies — usually American ones — which have spent a great deal of money on the research and development of GM crops are encouraging the farmers in developing countries to grow the new crops rather than traditional ones and indeed farmers are becoming increasingly dependent on the GM companies.

The companies insist that farmers buy all their seeds from the company to ensure that a crop is 100% GM. The effect of this is that poor farmers have to pay high prices for their seed and if the crops fail — owing to a new virus perhaps — then the farmers will have no crops and no money. Opponents of GM food argue that the big food companies should help farmers become more efficient in using traditional agricultural methods, because traditional methods encourage diversity; that is, farmers grow different crops from year to year and this is beneficial to the soil.

In the GM food debate, it is impossible to say who is right, or indeed if either side is right. What is clear, however, is that we require careful experimentation, public consultation and strict government regulation of the process of GM food development.