Genetically Modified Crops

Who is GM crop technology for?

One criticism levelled at GM technology is that it has mainly benefited farmers and biotech companies, but has given little benefit to ordinary consumers. Despite the promise of great things in the future, many people who are affected by the technology now have yet to receive any clear gains.

Who 'owns' GM crop technology?

Developing GM crops has cost a vast amount of money. Much of the research has been paid for by privately owned biotechnology companies, not governments, and these companies expect to make a profit from their investments. The majority of the research (and thus the knowledge that comes from it) is in the hands of about six multinational companies. Whatever you may believe about the profit motive, it's clear that there are possible conflicts of interest between the need for a private company to make money and the application of privately owned technology to solving problems in poor countries.

 
GM crops and international trade

In 2004, the US government demanded that the European Union lift its ban on the growing of GM crops and pay £1 billion to US farmers in compensation for their loss of trade to Europe over the previous 6 years.
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Who might benefit from GM crops in the future?

While GM may have the potential to help farmers in poor countries, whether this actually happens depends on many factors. Some have asked whether GM crops have been created in a way that promotes the best interests of the developing world farmers, or whether they have been created to maximise profit?  More info

 
 Gene patenting

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