Page - October 17, 2006
Genetically engineered crops threaten plant diversity, which is essential for a secure supply of food.
Genetically engineered crops cannot be segregated from their natural forebears in the wild.
The planting of GE crops on millions of hectares of land and
their introduction into our food supply is a giant genetic
experiment. As reproducing organisms, GE crops form a type of
living, genetic pollution, posing environmental risks that are
unpredictable and possibly irreversible. Because we know so little
about how these novel organisms will act in the environment, and
because these living organisms can multiply and spread, the
potentially harmful effects of GE organisms may only be discovered
when it is too late.
The most serious environmental threat posed by GE crops is the
loss of biodiversity. Nature and traditional breeding techniques
have created an incredible diversity of crops.
Genetic diversity is critical to the continuing development of
crop varieties resistant to new pests, diseases and changing
climatic and environmental conditions. In this way, diversity is
essential for global food security. GE seeds have already started
contaminating GE-free fields, threatening crop diversity around the
world. For example, GE contamination of corn in Mexico has been
well documented in a report by NAFTA's environmental commission.
There are many other examples of genetic contamination around the
world. In addition, if wild plants such as weeds crossbreed with
herbicide-resistant GE crops, they have the potential to form
'superweeds' that are resistant to herbicide.