Transgenic plants - a decade of losing and winning

When Monsanto Corporation introduced to the world 10 genetically modified (GM) crops 10 years ago, it was predicted that biotech progress was the dawn of a new era, which could help reduce hunger. poor, environmental protection .

Transgenic canola

Now genetically modified beans, cotton, corn and canola are lucrative products at Monsanto, and are also enriching other competitors, such as Switzerland's Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences LLC. Profit is mainly due to the US market adopting genetically modified plants with herbicide and insect resistance as well as high yields.

A step forward . a step back

However, 10 years have passed but many countries still prohibit this type of technology due to concerns of potential dangers to human health and the environment. Currently only 18 countries are cultivating GM crops. Indeed, almost every step back has a step back.

Last month, Kellogg cereal group announced it would start using low linolenic oil from Monsanto's GM soybeans in biscuits and other foods. However, less than two weeks later, Kraft Foods, Kellogg's rival, and the world's second-largest food producer, said it would stop providing all GM foods, including additives, for China. The reason is that consumers are less accepting of these products. Pepsico and Coca-Cola also made similar commitments.

Recently there have been other failures: in October 2005 Swiss voters decided to ban GM crops for 5 years and peas.

Oppose the transgenic plants of the Green Peace Group

Genetic engineering causes a number of health risks in rats studied, forcing authorities to cancel the seeding project in Australia. In 2004, Monsanto was forced to cancel a GM wheat that the company intends to sell in the US and Canada due to strong consumer protests. Other failed projects include a slow ripening tomato plant and a better quality Monsanto potato variety.

Critics have argued that GM plants have caused more problems than the problems they solve, such as creating resistant grasses. Supporters have a view: GM plants are good for the environment because they can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to grow plants. Opponents protested: the amount of chemicals increased many times because of herb resistance and many other problems. In addition, although farmers earn higher profits (due to increased production) they have to buy GM seeds at higher prices. This technology has not yet reduced poverty due to many poor countries being unable or unwilling to accept it.

What future for biotech trees?

Even so, GM crop areas around the world are increasing. The area of ​​soybean, corn, cotton, canola and other varieties reached more than 400 million hectares in 2005. In the United States, 52% of corn, 79% of cotton production and 87% of soybeans of the 2004-2004 season were GM varieties.

Maize is resistant to pests (right) and normal corn

A report by this industry shows the future of positive growth of GM plants in both the US and many other countries. Barriers in Europe are gradually being lowered and new varieties, being developed, will make many consumers accept. According to proponents of GM crops, cotton, corn, soybean and canola are still the leading GM plants, but in the future there will be many new varieties.

Iran became the first country to commercialize genetically modified, insect-resistant rice, in 2004. Last year, Syngenta Group announced the creation of a "golden rice" variety with beta-carotene content. 23 times higher than previous varieties. The variety will be distributed free of charge to research centers throughout Asia.

Michael Fernandez, executive director of the Pew Food and Biotechnology Initiative, said there is a huge investment in agricultural biotechnology in China, Argentina, Chile and other countries. Transgenic rice will definitely be allowed to be grown in China in the near future - a move that could change people's attitudes on the earth, making them support GM food.

Minh Son (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)