The GM Mirage Will Not Help the Poor

It is profits and not an altruistic desire to end world hunger that is behind the emergence of the genetically modified (GM) agriculture industry, argues Alex Wijeratna of the UK based international development agency, ActionAid. Wijeratna's essay adds to the US's concern over export restrictions on GM treated food from the US to countries in the European Union. Recently, US President George Bush famously made a case for GM imports from the US, stating that it will contribute to an end to world hunger. Proponents of GM agriculture believe that it will "increase food production, reduce environmental degradation, provide more nutritious foods and promote sustainable agriculture." Yet, Wijeratna argues that there is no clear evidence that GM crops require fewer chemicals and have increased yields. Further, GM agricultural technology rests with just 5 multinational corporations, who stand to control the world agricultural market. In Africa, the entry of a corporatized agricultural market threatens centuries' old traditional practices of saving and exchanging seeds locally. Instead, Wijeratna recommends sustainable agriculture as an alternative to GM agriculture. For example, "ActionAid supports poor farming communities in its programmes across Africa, Asia and Latin America, from community seed and grain banks to permaculture projects and organic farming. Some spectacular production increases have been achieved." – YaleGlobal