This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English AgricultureReport.
There are sixty-eight million hectares of genetically engineeredcrops. This is about five percent of all cropland in the world, andexpanding. But debate over how best to use this biologicaltechnology continues.
Experts compare the rise of biotechnology to the period of changein the nineteen-sixties and seventies. The Green Revolution producedthe modern systems and chemicals of agriculture. Productivityincreased in many countries.
Today, the United Nations and others are calling for a GeneRevolution. Experts say the world must find new ways to fight hungerand feed its growing population.
But, unlike the Green Revolution, biotechnology has beensupported mainly by private investment. Businesses are unwilling toshare trade secrets with countries that do not recognize theirproperty rights. Companies also want to earn a profit, so theydevelop crops for large markets.
Ninety-nine percent of genetically engineered crops are eithersoybeans, corn, cotton or canola. The U.N. Food and AgricultureOrganization says little research has been done on food crops likewheat, rice, potatoes and cassava. An F.A.O. report last monthexpressed concern that biotechnology is not helping developingnations.
Six countries grew ninety-nine percent of all biotech crops lastyear: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, South Africa and the UnitedStates. Almost all these crops have special genes to resist damageby insects or by chemicals used to kill unwanted plants. The F.A.O.says there is little research on biotech plants that could resistcrop failure in poor countries, or provide extra vitamins.
Director-General Jacques Diouf says scientists generally agreethat foods made from genetically engineered crops are safe to eat.But he adds that little is known about their long-term effects. Healso says there is less scientific agreement on the environmentaleffects, so each product must be carefully observed.
Public opinion is a big issue in the debate. Opponents say theremay be unknown health dangers. Some poor nations have refused anyfood aid that contains genetically engineered products.
Yet the industry has had some successes recently. Last month theEuropean Union ended a six-year suspension of approval for newbiotech foods. And Brazil has been moving to let farmers plantgenetically engineered soybeans.
This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by MarioRitter. This is Steve Ember.