Chapter 8. GM Crops and Food: A Scientific Perspective
- John Bryant Professor2,
- Dr Linda Baggott la Velle3,
- Revd Dr John Searle4
Published Online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0470846593.ch8
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Bioethics for Scientists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Hughes, S. and Bryant, J. (2002) GM Crops and Food: A Scientific Perspective, in Bioethics for Scientists (eds J. Bryant, L. B. la Velle and J. Searle), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470846593.ch8
Editor Information
- 2
School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- 3
Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 4
Exeter & District Hospice, Exeter, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 18 APR 2002
- Published Print: 31 MAR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471495321
Online ISBN: 9780470846599
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- applications;
- biodiversity;
- biotechnology;
- environment;
- genome;
- GM;
- plant breeding;
- regulation;
- research;
- risk
Summary
Crop breeding was put on a scientific basis in the 20th century resulting in marked increases in crop yield, especially in intensive agriculture in industrialised countries. However, plant breeding is limited by its relative imprecision and by genetic barriers to crossing except with closely related species. GM technology enables breeders to introduce into a crop any gene from any other organism. Since the mid-1990s several GM crops have been used in commercial production, mainly in the USA. However, there has been a concerted campaign in Europe to halt the development and use of GM crops, mainly on grounds of environmental and food safety. Further analysis of campaigners' claims reveals that they are often erroneous. However, as with the adoption of all novel technologies, a reasonable level of caution is advisable. There are also issues relating to global trade and justice which must not be confused with GM technology per se.