GM & Hunger

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GM Debate

GM & Hunger..

Hunger is being made a key reason for GM development. George Bush accused Europe of blocking efforts to fight famine in Africa because of "unfounded" fears over genetically modified foods. In May 2003, he accused Europe of hampering efforts to combat hunger and poverty in Africa. The use of genetically modified crops and other biotechnology would dramatically boost food production, according to Mr Bush.

Yet the people who are most directly affected say GM Crops wont solve World Hunger. The "Green Revolution" promised an end to world hunger 30 years ago, yet it hasn't. The answer to hunger is more guaranteed prices for local food crops, water supplies and better distribution. Hunger is caused by poverty not lack of food.

There is too much hunger - a billion people are starving and about 10,000 will die. Yet food prices for many are determined by the market. Any farmer will tell you that the more we produce the less the price of the product. Look in the Financial Times any day to read "Frost hits coffee, prices up" "Good harvest of wheat means lower prices". The US and EU can afford to subsidise its farming, the rest of the world can't.

"Playing With Hunger" (pdf) Friends of the Earth International (FOEI) recounts the debate spurred by South African countries' refusal to accept Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as food aid. The implications of GMO food aid is studied in 9 developing countries.

The development of GE crops has not focused on feeding people but rather on securing market share for the world's largest agrochemical/biotech companies. There is little independent or government research in Genetic Engineering.

Food Security & Poverty and impacts og GM (from STEPS)

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