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September 27, 2005
Eudoxa Policy Study #6: A scientific and ethical discussion regarding genetic modification of plants
Mankind has during many thousands of years changed the genetic setup of plants in order to achieve better harvests. Modern genetic methods are an extension of traditional breeding methods, which enable us to create new varieties of plants that have improved resistance against vermin, produce enhanced harvests, are more nutritious and reduce the strain of agriculture on the land. Plant improvement via modern genetic methods means that a few genes are altered under laboratory circumstances and intensive studies are performed on the new breed of the plant. In contrast, traditional plant improvement mingles or mutates thousands of genes in order to achieve a positive result by chance. The moral arguments that man cannot play God are built upon a misunderstanding of natural science. Genes are modified constantly in nature via biological processes.
Although many millions of people have eaten genetically modified food for many years, there is still no indication that it would be harmful to the consumer. Still, both consumers and politicians in the EU are very skeptical towards genetic modification of plants. This is in large parts due to myths spread by various groups that oppose these technologies, either because they have economic interests to defend or because they have a dogmatic view on nature and science.
This report by the Eudoxa think tank, written by Nima Sanandaji and Tomas Brandberg, considers the debate regarding genetic modification of plants from both a scientific and ethical perspective. We hope that this report shows that altering the genetic content of plants is nothing mystical or abnormal.
Download the PDF here >>>
* About the think tank Eudoxa
* Preface
* Brief history and introduction
* Genetics, biotechnology and food
* What are we eating?
* Glyphosate tolerance
* B. thuringiensis
* Is it safe to consume?
* Is it safe to cultivate?
* Ecological effects
* The containment issue
* GM crops and the third world
* Patent rights
* The political context
* Summary
Posted by Waldemar at September 27, 2005 03:15 AM