[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Do transgenic crops & sustainable ag make a Good Mix?
-
Subject: Do transgenic crops & sustainable ag make a Good Mix?
-
From: kalimantan@gnn.com ()
-
Date: Sun, 08 Dec 1996 22:28:12
-
Article: 17273 of alt.sustainable.agriculture
-
Distribution: world
-
Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture
-
Organization: GNN
The genetically-engineered plants currently sold by commercial
manufacturers like Monsanto, Ciba-Geigy, and others, have been
harshly criticized by some consumer and environmental groups as
being a non-sustainable answer to agricultural problems.
Many have argued that the same companies that had contributed to
the heavy dependence on chemical pesticides and herbicides are now
just as determined to increase our dependence on transgenic crops.
These critics note that most of the plants present only short-term
answers to the underlying problems (a "quick fix" solution), and
that many (eg. Roundup Ready crops from Monsanto) merely foster
increased dependence on (herbicide) products sold by the same
manufacturer.
Is there a way to successfully accomodate both the profit motives
of agrochemical companies that produce these transgenic plants, and
the environmental and health concerns of consumer and environmental
groups?
If you are interested in such questions, the site at
"http://members.gnn.com/kalimantan/mw4/page2.htm" may provide a
convenient introduction to some of the complexities involved in any
discussion pitting the capitalistic ambitions of corporations
against the relatively more idealistic goals of environmental
groups.
kalimantan@gnn.com