Genetic modification

GM food involves altering a plant, animal or microorganisms genes or inserting one from another organism. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit. It can improve crop variety, making the plants more resistant to disease, insecticides and have more efficient water use. The result of GM is increased yield, decreased agrochemical use and reduced environmental impacts on agriculture. GM has increased by about 10% per year over the last decade.

Benefits Increased farm income Reduced costs for producers Cheaper for consumers LEDCs can use land that was before useless Can be produced in a variety of climates Less need for pesticides Lowers the risk of disease in crops

Disadvantages Can create social and cultural problems Viruses can spread across species Decrease in natural soil fertility Alien genes can transfer from GM crops to other varieties of the same crop and other species Less demand for organic food Some people see GM as unethical

Is it sustainable? Yes, because reduces all round cost and can be produced on mass anywhere in a variety of climates. It can have global effect on reducing famine and producing more in demand crops. However, there are concerns that can effect the environment, for example the use of GM reduces soils natural fertility.