Genetically Modified Organisms

Advocates of genetically modified food (often referred to as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs) have long maintained that GMO food will be such a boon to mankind that world hunger will be alleviated once and for all. Such a development would be a welcome relief to the billions who live in poverty and suffer the effects of hunger and starvation every day, if such a vision is realistic. In 2011, nearly 10 percent of the Earth’s arable land (160 million hectares) was used to grow biotech crops. That represents an 8 percent increase over 2010. Biotech crops are the fastest-growing segment of the agricultural industry worldwide. Whereas most of these crops are used for biofuel and animal feed, many of them make it into the ...