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Title: Why is variety in crop plants important for "food security"? How is this threat Post by: ppk on Dec 30, 2011 Why is variety in crop plants important for "food security"? How is this threatened by GM food crops? What is the United States' position on GM products? How does this differ from the position of other countries?
Title: Re: Why is variety in crop plants important for "food security"? How is this threat Post by: star on Jan 10, 2012 Varieties contain genes that, through conventional breeding, might confer resistance to disease, pests, inbreeding, and other pressures that challenge modern agriculture. Monocultures of industrial agriculture place all our eggs in one basket, so that any single catastrophe could potentially wipe out multiple crops. Wild relatives contain genetic diversity that may have ready-made solutions to unforeseen problems. The U.S.' position is that GM foods are an acceptable food crop. Many nations refuse to purchase or accept food or seed crops that are GM. The European Union has been extremely outspoken against the use or trade of GM foods.
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