Genetic Engineering and the False Claim to Feed the World

Abstract

In this work, we argued that the “feed the world” argument as the main justification for the application of genetic engineering to the mainstream of agriculture has collapsed vis-à-vis the “terminator” or the “traitor” technology. Financial gain has also been established as the main motive for the promoters of this technology. In doing this, we have raised health and ethical concerns because it has been shown among others that applying GM on food crop production could have unforeseen health consequences. This we argued out-weighs financial benefits and called for caution and censorship in the application of biotechnology to food crop production.

Keywords: genetic engineering, terminator technology, biotechnology, feed the world argument, GM foods, ethics, health, agribusiness.