The Many Misrepresentations of the Biotech Industry
Under growing criticism from consumer advocates and the general public about the health impacts and environmental impacts of genetically engineered foods, biotechnology companies developed a large-scale public relations campaign to give biotech foods a friendly face. Now biotechnology companies are rallying around the message that genetically engineered foods will "feed the world" but the facts tell a different story.
According to a USDA report, 98 percent of genetic alterations are done to make food production and processing easier and more profitable for the manufacturers. Only two percent are aimed at improved nutrition or taste. In general, these crops are being engineered to increase corporate profitability, not designed to alleviate world hunger.
In fact, the problems surrounding world hunger have more to do with food distribution than food production. The world today produces more food per inhabitant than ever before. Enough food is available now to provide 4.3 pounds for every person each day .
Biotechnology companies are also making claims that genetically engineered crops not only increase the food supply, but can also provide more nutritious food in the battle against world hunger. These companies are in the process of producing a new type of rice, infused with vitamin A through genetic engineering. Industry asserts that this new rice will eliminate vitamin A deficiency, applying genetic engineering as a "quick fix" to the complex problem of world hunger. In reality, inefficient food distribution, lack of diet diversity and poverty lie at the root of the problem.
Industry states that GE crops will not only increase yields, but also lower consumer costs. There is evidence that GE crops actually result in a lower yield and higher prices. Compared to conventional varieties of soybeans, one GE soybean produced by Monsanto produces a 5.3 percent lower yield . For some farmers, the decision to grow GE crops will nearly double their spending on seeds and weed management systems including both direct and indirect costs.
Lastly, the leaders in biotechnology are the same giant chemical companies -- Monsanto, DuPont, Aventis and Novartis -- that sell toxic pesticides and herbicides. These companies are genetically engineering plants to be resistant to herbicides that they manufacture so they in turn can sell more herbicides. Farmers in both developed and developing countries will become increasingly dependent on the industry to provide them with the materials necessary to continue their livelihood.
Altieri, Miguel and Peter Rosset. "Ten Reasons Why Biotechnology will Not Ensure Food Security, Protect the Environment and Reduce Poverty in the Developing World." AgBioForum . Summer/Fall 1999.
Benbrook, Dr. Charles. "Do GE Crops Really Produce Higher Yield?" Synthesis/Regeneration. Spring 1999.
