Question
Why do GMOs seem more important today then they were the past?
Why do we need GMO's today for agriculture when farmers in the past were able to feed the US without them. The west was plowed under creating the dustbowl but we as a "country" changed farming practices to avoid another dustbowl. So why can't we figure out how to better farming practices to feed the growing population without GMO's ? I know it's a money thing but at what point did we put peoples health before money
Submitted by: Grass Fed Beef
Answer
Expert response from Fran Castle
Former Global Senior Manager, Communications, BASF
Thursday, 05/09/2013 12:35
Figuring out how to feed more people with the same land resources while protecting the environment is a global reality. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that by 2050, we will need to increase food production by 100 percent to have enough to feed the world.
Although issues like food waste, distribution and politics play an important role in food deficiencies in the developing world, the truth is that our planet's population is increasing and our farmland is shrinking.
We will need all types of farming to meet this demand. As agriculture production and land resources stay the same or shrink, biotech seeds can be a critical tool in feeding the world, while improving environmental sustainability. Biotech seeds can contribute to a reduction in the amount of land, water and chemicals needed to produce more food.
GM seeds can contribute greatly to conservation and environmental stewardship, in particular helping save protected land and keeping soil healthy. Additionally, as seed companies and researchers continue to make new strides in developing GM crops, there are increased opportunities to enhance the nutritional profile of foods that are important in developing countries that need nutrient-rich food. Examples of this include:
How Do GMOs Benefit The Environment?
