???Our planet houses 6.7 billion people today, an astounding figure that is only possible as long as we can continue to produce the necessary food. Here in the U.S., we possess an abundance of food that is often seen as a problem to our overstuffed diet, while less developed countries continue to struggle with the real issue of starvation.
???The struggle for scientists to help feed these nations has increased, mostly due to the lack of public support for genetically modified (GM) crops based on exaggerated and sometimes unfounded theories. Environmental groups such as Greenpeace are an outspoken voice against GM foods, often pointing the finger to corporations having a stranglehold on peoples' food supply.
???Genetically modifying food is essentially expedited selective breeding, where agricultural scientists develop crops that provide a much higher yield, are resistant to pests and diseases and decrease the need to use chemical pesticides - and it was used for most of the meals we eat today. It would seem that these results would prompt celebration by environmentalists, but many people don't like the idea of tinkering with the genetic code of crops we consume.
???As dwellers of the U.S. tend to forget, our choices are not the same as those in lands of less availability. While we can afford the option of more expensive organic products that consume more land to grow, struggling nations need modern technology to sustain themselves. This is a task growing more difficult with increasing criticism and spreading fear using political means - rather than scientific - to dissuade many governments' approval.
???GM foods have proven that overpopulation is not a problem in itself, but that the supply and distribution of resources cause much of the world's woes. Claiming that the earth has too many lives is a philosophy I never wish to subscribe to.
???Protests against GM foods have only made it more difficult for scientists to get the funding they need to provide better crops and feed more people. This technology has helped the local economies of less developed countries by allowing them to be more autonomous and nourished, though has come under fire due to the involvement of western biotech corporations.
???It is foolish to let the connotations of corporations nullify the hard work of scientists who dedicated their lives to providing food for populations never before thought possible.
???Ideology and philosophy alone should not interfere with scientific innovation, and scare tactics like using the term "frankenfoods" only hinder progress and blur the facts. The fact is that more humans are living, and living longer. If you want organic food - and an organic lifespan - use the farming tactics from 150 years ago.
???But please, don't force that upon those who can't afford it.
