New techniques canmodify genetic materials creating new strains and varieties of crops in a few years - instead of having to rely on the vagaries of nature. Genetically Modified (GM) crops can produce novel foods, plants resistant to pests and pesticides, new drugs, and energy sources. Major chemical companies are restructuring themselves to have both the technologies to alter plants and make use of the new products they make..

"Life science" companies want to own all the seeds - the source of genetic materials, in the world. The gene business is worth $32 billion world-wide, alongside the $17.5 billion pesticide industry. There is increasing concentration on a smaller range of crops and seeds, with consequent destruction of species not in production.

Many seed companies use genetic engineering to develop "herbicide-resistant" crops - crops that can be sprayed with weedkillers. These increase dependence on chemicals.

Consumers in Europe are becoming increasing concerned about GM foods, and many places have imposed bans on their use. The UK Houses of Parliament, virtually all local authorities, many schools, and even a fish and chip shop in Lancashire refuse to use them. The difficulty is that one of the main GM crops in the US is soya - which is mixed with virtually everything.

The EU is revising its guidelines on releasing GM organisms into the environment.

More on Biosafety Protocol on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Unit 3.

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