Food & Agriculture 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
Does herbicide glyphosate make wheat ‘toxic’? Science, farmers say ‘no’
There's been a lot of talk about the alleged dangers "toxic wheat" circulating the Internet, and even a lot of ...
USDA study concludes neonics not driving bee deaths—As White House set to announce pollinator revival plan’
Neonicotinoids have been in the crosshairs of advocacy groups desperate to do something--anything--to address the crisis of bee die offs ...
Is glyphosate–herbicide linked to GMOs–carcinogenic? Not if science matters.
Glyphosate is back in the crosshairs of after a global health advisory group review conclude the common herbicide may cause ...
GMO-Luddite debate: Are anti-technology “progressives” promoting poverty or preserving traditions?
Of the top emerging technologies predicted to flourish in 2015, two have an immediate impact on GMOs and the genetics ...
Death of British journalist after eating organic peanuts highlights absurdity of GMO safety scare
The tragic death of a British journalist in Uganda who died of a toxic reaction to an organic groundnut underscores ...
Beyond ‘romance’ of organics: 6 ignored sustainable practices organic proponents should embrace
Organic farming is often promoted by followers as 'close to Nature'--the sustainable way to grow food. Although some organic techniques ...
Peak food? Can food tech supercharge crop yields and address global food security?
Breakthroughs are helping researchers 'supercharge' photosynthesis and increase rice yields. But anti-GMO critics say food security should focus on distribution, ...
#ScientistsArePeople! “Mommy PhD” campaign challenges anti-GMO death, rape threats against scientists
I'm a scientist. Yet when I go on to advocacy blogs to share science-based information, my comments are deleted. I’m ...
Nina Fedoroff, Kevin Folta, GLP’s Jon Entine push back on organic-led attack on biotech academic research
In a wide-ranging discussion, HuffPost Live host Josh Zepps discusses the document demands on biotech scientists and the parallels with ...
Investigative food journalism should go for more than the yuck factor
Recent articles in the UK news media have 'lifted the lid' on the production of convenience food. While on the ...
Cornell Alliance students challenge ‘anti-GMO bullies’ over FOI demand
The Cornell Alliance for Science--a global initiative for science-based communications at Cornell University--has launched a petition to support biotech scientists ...
Organic farmer says “no” to organic-led ‘New MacDonald’ GMO demonization campaign
Polarizing "New McDonald" video sparks outrage among organic farmers more interested in sustainable farming than winning debate points. Will this ...
Why do strawberries taste like straw, and can genetics bring flavor back to the big red berry
The modern supermarket strawberry looks sumptuous but often tastes like...well, straw. With a bit of help from modern genetics, can ...
Synbio firm Intrexon snaps up Okanagan, developers of new GM Arctic Apple
Those wondering whether the the newly approved GMO fruit, Arctic Apple, has a future now know: With this merger/take-over, new ...
Federal GMO labeling bill garners support from skeptical growers
The failures of statewide GMO labeling initiatives and the possibility that the courts will throw out the Vermont mandatory law ...
Did Bill Nye, the anti-GMO guy, just flip? After visiting Monsanto? Stay tuned
The 'Science Guy' has not yet announced how his views about GMOs have changed--he has been a skeptic for years--but ...
China’s rejection of GMO “contaminated” alfalfa–Biotech failure or global politics?
In 2014, China rejected imports of alfalfa from the US that contained trace amounts of GE material. Activists reacted with ...
Can GM technology promote sustainable salmon farming?
Can biotechnology overcome the stigma manufactured by activists to provide solutions for a sustainable seafood movement? Is the sustainability movement ...
Owen Paterson: ‘Anti-GMO stance of Green Blob, Greenpeace condemn poor to starvation, death
Former UK environment secretary goes on the attack against what he says are modern Luddites: Greenpeace and the ministers of ...
VIDEO: Are GM foods dangerous? Renowned science reporter takes on anti-GMO fundamentalists
The British YouTube rationalist and renowned ex-BBC Radio 4 and CBC science reporter with a degree in geology debunks pseudoscience, ...
What do off-patent GM soybeans say about possibilities of open source biotech?
As Monsanto's patent on GM soybeans expires this spring, where does this leave the conversation over corporate control in the ...
Where’s the beef (and fat)? Are you ready for a juicy ‘test tube’ burger?
Lab created beef offers the possibility of ending the breeding of livestock for slaughter--and the ability to produce in vitro ...
OMG! GMO! In Froot Loops! Reason for concern, but not about cereal
GMO Free USA has mounted a boycott against food companies for harmless trace levels of chemicals found in some of ...
Food Babe plays race, sexist shill cards from “Deck of Deflection”
Vani Hari's new book attacking chemicals and GMOs in food is a roaring sales success. But that hasn't stopped critics ...
Deoxyribonucleic acid, it’s fantastic! A Presidents Day rap
Intimidated by genetics? Maybe music is the cure ...
Mother Jones’s missed opportunity to reverse GMO safety consensus denialism
A year ago, Mother Jones published a balanced report on crop biotechnology, embracing the global consensus that GMOs are safe--a ...
Zero tolerance policies on GMO “contamination” hurt organic and conventional farmers alike
Neighboring organic farmers and GMO farmers struggle to coexist amid fears of gene flow through cross pollination. Yet agricultural scientists ...
