Gentically modified crops...??

[starrylizard]

Hey, just out of geeky interest. What are peoples opinions on GM crops in general and this news? It's just I'm in the field...not GM crops, but genetics, and I was wondering how people who don't have a scientific perspective on these issues feel about them. Anyone who is reading this journal feel free to jump in, or feel free to ignore the question entirely. I'm not trying to rope you into a nasty debate or anything, I'm just a geeky girl who is curious...

Quote from www.science.com (here:
"In late December, the European Commission
proposed new rules that would allow organic
foods to be labeled as such with up to 0.9%
accidental contamination with GM products or
seeds from neighboring farms or during processing.
Several consumer groups have vowed
to fight the proposal to protect what Friends of
the Earth Europe says are consumers who want
food free of “genetic contamination.”

Comments

[lark_ascends]

Speaking from my knowledge of GM from geography (of all things) in High School:

Most people don't realise that to a certain extent, most crops are GM (maybe not in the strictest definition, but hopefully you'll get my meaning). Selective breeding over the generations have created crops that are, essentially, GM.

Plus, with GM allowing much higher yield crops (such as rice), at a height on the ground that makes it easier to harvest, what is the problem? With the population that the world contains, and particularly the third world countries that will benefit from the higher yields, it's needed.

Sorry if this didn't make complete sense, I'm tired.

[ljmckay.livejournal.com]

I have little to no scientific background but for what it's worth...

I don't have a problem with genetically modified crops/food/whatever for a lot of the reasons rinkle mentioned. The only thing that worries me is the slippery slope we might've got ourselves started on. First plants, tomorrow the world kind of thing...

(This is, of course, coming off the first two chapters of "Brave New World" for English. Take it how you will.)