[asia-apec 1342] Food First Challenges BioTech

[Anuradha Mittal]

NEW PAPER FROM FOOD FIRST CHALLENGES BIOTECHNOLOGY MYTHS

Ten reasons why biotechnology will not ensure food security, protect the 
environment and reduce poverty in the developing world

by Miguel A. Altieri, 
University of California, Berkeley 

and

Peter Rosset, 
Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy, 
Oakland, California

October 1999

Summary:

   Biotechnology companies often claim that genetically modified 
organisms (GMOs) -- specifically genetically altered seeds -- are 
essential scientific breakthroughs needed to feed the world, protect the 
environment, and reduce poverty in developing countries. This view rests 
on two critical assumptions, both of which we question. The first is 
that hunger is due to a gap between food production and human population 
density or growth rate. The second is that genetic engineering is the 
only or best way to increase agricultural production and thus meet 
future food needs.

   We challenge the notion of biotechnology as a magic bullet solution 
to agriculture's ills, by clarifying misconceptions concerning these 
underlying assumptions.

Full paper on-line at:  

http://www.foodfirst.org/resources/biotech/altieri-11-99.html

Join the fight against hunger. For more information contact foodfirst at foodfirst.org.

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