What do you think of genetically modified (GM) crops?

[FoxyBunny]

I eat them, and quite contentedly. As Rota pointed out, we've been manipulating the genes of foods forever. We are just getting better at it.

I think we went overboard with pesticides and hormones and antibiotics and other chemicals. I'm really glad people are backing down on those things and getting food to be more natural, but some of the things they do are good. Yes, even genetic manipulation.

I'll eat it. No problems here. Then again, I eat almost anything that isn't actively trying to escape or crying out when I stab it with my fork.

[Rodri]

I have never heard of resistance build up to glyphosate but it is possible, especially if it is not being used in rotation with other herbicides or is being applied in the wrong way. This is why I am not so much in favour of gene splicing resistance to a specific broad-spectum herbicide, because it can cause farmers to become reliant upon that one herbicide for weed control and that opens the door to resistance build up in weed species.

Genetic diversity is very important for a sustainable future in agriculture. The potato famine in Ireland was a result of a lack of genetic diversity in what had become a major food crop there. All potato growers were growing only one variety and when a certain type of blight was accidentally introduced, the entire harvest was lost and until new varieties were found that were blight resistant, there was famine.

Unfortunately, modern agriculture is based around monocultures and with food giants such as the golden arches demanding growers produce a specific variety to suit their needs, it is difficult and expensive for farmers to go against those trends.

As consumers, I think we should be looking for locally grown, seasonal produce from growers who are willing to experiment with different varieties and different growing methods such as organics and bio-dynamics. As well as that, we should also think about growing some of our food for ourself, if possible, as that will also help to remind us of where our foods come from and what fresh produce should really taste like.

[abracax]

As consumers, I think we should be looking for locally grown, seasonal produce from growers who are willing to experiment with different varieties and different growing methods such as organics and bio-dynamics. As well as that, we should also think about growing some of our food for ourself, if possible, as that will also help to remind us of where our foods come from and what fresh produce should really taste like.

Funny you mention that. There is a agriculture company here in the states, in Connecticut I think, that has a program where they are teaching farmers to diversify and working with them on growing food crops that are exotic. Such as tropical fruits and grains and many other food crops. The program is to promote two things, new crops for the farmers to expand upon and diversify, and local grown exotic foods at the market.