Food & Ag Features
The GLP explores the role of genetic engineering in food production and the polarized debate surrounding it. We highlight the work of our own writers, as well as that of contributors from around the Web. The GLP does not take a position on genetics-related issues; any opinions expressed belong to the authors.
Categories include:
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Organics
- Conventional crops
- New breeding technologies
- Animal biotechnology
- Food systems
- Sustainability
- Regulations
- Politics
- Ideology
Grist: Who’s doing the research on GMO seeds?
Johnson begins a multi-step investigation into intellectual property rights. Do big biotech corporations really exercise draconian control on all biotech ...
Kauai’s biotech battle: A field report from geneticist Kevin Folta
In Kauai, there is no reason for fear or action; no need for a bill and restrictive non-scientific regulation ...
French anti-GM protesters target “hidden GMOs”
French anti-biotech activists are now destroying "hidden GMOs" -- that is crop varieties produced by mutation breeding ...
Grist: GMOs, allergens and the specter of ‘unknown unknowns’
Grist takes a second, deeper look at the allergenic risk of GM crops relative to traditional crops ...
GLP Infographic: 10 reasons we need crop biotechnology
The web is overflowing with misleading infographics. Here's our own, more accurate list ...
Can genome research on the palm tree help save endangered rainforests?
Scientists hope to use genomic knowledge to grow better trees that can yield more oil and reduce pressure on the ...
Bill 79: Stifle biotech and Hawaiian agriculture will suffer
Can biotechnology help Hawaiian coffee beat the coffee berry borer -- not if anti-biotech activists have their way ...
Grist: Does the “little difference” between GE and traditional breeding matter?
The interpretation of what “a little” means for perception of risk, and for public policy, varies wildly depending on people’s ...
It’s time to play God with our food
There future of food may hold some hybrid of organic and genetically modified techniques, if we're ready for it ...
‘Natural food’ fallacy: “Waiter, there’s a gene in my soup!”
Plant biotechnologist Jimmy Botella busts the naturalistic fallacy and reveals the reality of our "unnatural" natural food supply ...
Biotech ups food production, won’t feed world alone
Biotech's focus on increasing food production ignores the fact that mass hunger exists alongside a huge surplus ...
Grist: Genetic engineering versus natural breeding?
With a full understanding of the science, is genetic engineering really all that different than traditional breeding ...
Biotech innovations rescuing near extinct American chestnut tree
Rival biotechnologists race to use genetic engineering to bring back the American chestnut tree ...
Japan’s harsh reaction to GM wheat rooted in culture and history
Why did Japan react so quickly and decisively (by suspending imports) to the discovery of unapproved GM wheat in Oregon? ...
Grist rethinks crop biotech, takes fresh look at regulatory process
Critics of genetic engineering say the industry is not required to do any safety testing. The developers of GE crops ...
Open-source GM: Separating Monsanto from modification
Open-source GMOs will "help fight climate change and stick one in Monsanto’s eye." ...
Grist finally acknowledges ‘no health threats from GE foods’
It’s hard to make the case that we should trust science on global warming while scoffing at the statements of ...
Eco-zealots want you to believe eating GM crops is dining with the devil
The Daily Mail offers a thorough summary of the GM issue, in particular its contentiousness in the UK ...
Analysis of Kaua’i County Anti-GMO Bill
Biofortified analyzes the bill proposed by anti-biotech groups in Kauai to curtail planting of genetically modified crops ...
Nature commentary: Europe losing ground in GM crop science
The EU must regulate GM plant varieties with sound science or risk losing ground in the race to grow more ...
A geneticist attempts to replicate the famed “stunning corn” study
Anti-GM crusaders don't really want independent replication, that would expose their lack of evidence ...
Genetically modified RNA scare seems bogus
A molecule as unstable as RNA likely couldn't even make it past our digestive system ...
Who really deserves a food prize?
Food writer Mark Bittman argues against the biotech-focused winners of this years World Food Prize ...
Italy: Agriculture minister wants GMOs banned
Italian ag minister wants to ban the cultivation of GMOs, with with backing from the Italian health and environment ministers ...
Oregon: Genetically modified crops vandalized
Some 6,500 GM plants have been destroyed by "eco-activists" in Oregon since the beginning of the month ...
When is a tomato not a tomato?
Our modern tomatoes are tasteless -- could GM tech restore the tomato's tastiness? ...
The dangers of condescension in the GM debate
The UK's Environmental Minister needs to reframe his proposed GM discussion if he wants to avoid a slow-motion train wreck ...
