November ended with two major victories in the fight against world hunger. First, the European Commission authorized the use of genetically-modified maize (corn) for food and use in animal feed. The Syngenta product was bred for improved resistance to insects.
Also, according to the Wall Street Journal, "China's government declared two strains of genetically-modified rice safe to produce and consume, taking a major step toward endorsing the use of biotechnology in the staple food crop of billions of people in Asia."
"This is a huge breakthrough in terms of its potential to enhance crop yields and reduce chemical inputs, which is allegedly a concern of so-called environmental groups, many of whom are suspicious of genetically-modified organisms for no scientific reason," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "World hunger is increasing, and the fact that China has given the okay to genetically-modified rice is a huge advance for food production. The EC's approval of genetically improved maize is another optimistic sign for combating malnutrition. This also increases the probability that golden rice -- which contains a vitamin A precursor -- will make it into the marketplace and improve nutrition around the world. We need a new Green Revolution, and I think it will be brought about with biotechnology."
