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
Did CRISPR gene-edited mushroom really “escape” regulation?
The USDA decided it will not regulate a CRISPR gene edited mushroom. Is this an example of a failure of ...
Two moms on how Kevin Folta inspired their pro-biotech science writing and advocacy
Two science advocates explain why Kevin Folta deserved the 2016 CAST Borlaug Agricultural Communications Award he was awarded on April ...
Kevin Folta on winning Borlaug Ag Comm Award, year of attacks from anti-GMO activists
After year of attacks from activist, Kevin Folta wins prestigious, international award for science outreach and communication ...
Vegan Manifesto: Why we should support GMO foods and biotechnology research
Should vegans support GMOs and biotechnology in agriculture as a means to optimize agriculture and minimize suffering and pain of ...
Glyphosate battles: Why different European agencies came to different cancer conclusions
In the fight between European safety agencies, a conflict looms. The IARC chair behind controversial cancer hazard decisions also works ...
Farmer’s daughter on why mom chose conventional over organic foods
The daughter of a farmer recalls her mother's activism against organic food and farming ...
Tale of a GMO protest: Pro and anti-biotech activists illustrate ideological, financial divide
A recent protest in Salem, OR highlights motivations and funding for activists on each side of biotech debate ...
Will CRISPR and gene editing change public fears about Franken-technology?
Is gene editing the key to changing the popular image of modified food from mutants to be feared to something ...
GMOs in pipeline promise consumer-friendly traits but attacks by familiar critics abound
Genetic engineering of food is moving on to the second-generation. The changes could be revolutionary ...
Are monocultures the great evil of GMOs and modern ag?
Many critics claim GMOs increase the practice of monocultural, but is this really true? And is monoculture really detrimental to ...
Will GMO makers, advocates support labeling of consumer focused 2nd generation GMOs?
A new generation of GMOs may call for new ways of regulation. And the activists, manufacturers, and farmers may want ...
IARC-Gate? Are Europe’s anti-chemical enviros conspiring to suppress conflict-of-interest scandal?
Was the WHO agency IARC, that deemed glyphosate a 'probable carcinogen,' guided by an anti-chemical scientist who consults with the ...
Will severe droughts in Africa open door for imports, acceptance of GM crops?
Facing food shortages from severe drought, will countries in southern Africa change stance on GMOs to feed their people? ...
For studies on GMO food safety, does length matter?
Anti-GMO activists call for longer and longer animal studies to assess the safety of GMOs. But are longer tests really ...
USDA annual report: Pesticide residues on food well below amounts dangerous to humans
An annual USDA report of over 10,000 crops finds overwhelmingly that pesticide residues on food are well below levels that ...
Being a vegetarian can kill you? How the press mashed a genetics story
Being a vegetarian won't kill you: What happens when the media confuse a hypothesis with an outcome ...
If you care about the future of our planet, here’s why you should support GMOs
Farmers describe how GMOs have enabled them to reduce their use of the older, more toxic insecticides, and reduce their ...
Unintended consequences of Vermont’s GMO labelling law
Several major food companies have decided to label products that contain GMO nationwide to comply with Vermont's labeling law. Will ...
Activists behind Zika virus conspiracy theories, Argentine pesticide birth defect scare
South America's suffering from a number of epidemics. The worst one may just be misinformation ...
Despite activists’ claims about glyphosate dangers, there’s no cancer spike in Argentina
Anti-GMO activists have claimed that cancer rates in farming regions of Argentina have spiked. Interviews with local experts paint a ...
How will normalizing US-Cuba relations affect agriculture, biotechnology in both countries?
The landscape of Cuba's biotechnology industry may change significantly through renewed relations with the US, most notably it could bring ...
GMO hypocrisy? Celebrity chefs, foodies oppose ‘right to know’ what’s in their food
Several celebrity chefs been quite vocal in their support for the consumers 'right to know' about GMOs but have opposed ...
In banning open space GMO crops, Boulder County, Colorado votes against sustainability
Boulder County in Colorado has voted to stop GMO crops from being grown on publicly owned spaces. But experts are ...
Genetic engineering in Africa 2: Continent cautiously embraces biotechnology
Part two, of a two-part series discussing the status of GMO crops in Africa , covers how countries across the ...
Genetic engineering in Africa 1: Banana, cassava can be rescued
Part one, of a two-part series discussing the status of GMO crops in Africa , covers the potential crops that ...
Moms Across America claims GM salmon not kosher, but Jewish law, tradition say otherwise
Is anti-biotech group Moms Across America exploiting sacred religious laws to advance their GMO labelling agenda? ...
Jonathan Lundgren says USDA is censoring him for criticizing neonicotinoids: What’s the truth?
Activists see Lundgren as the next Percy Schmeiser — a critic of conventional agriculture whose views are suppressed in a ...
