There are religious and ethical issues raised by genetic manipulation. That doesn't mean we should abandon agricultural biotechnology, but it does require information, dialogue and, ultimately, an appropriate regulatory regime sufficient to assure public confidence that the products are safe and will be used appropriately. Let's explore why American consumers are so enthusiastic about technology in general and so reluctant to belly up to a plateful of GE food. First, Americans don't need agricultural biotechnology to assure access to an adequate supply of nutritious food at reasonable prices. Hunger in this country arises from inadequate income, not short supply.
Malnutrition is more and more likely to result from over consumption.
Thanks to increasing international trade, we eat from a global plate, with year round access to a variety of fresh foods previously available only during our domestic season. Second, food is special. We eat to sustain life and health. Each week seems to bring a new study on the relationship between diet and health. We're an aging population, obsessed with defying the physical and mental limitations of aging and hopeful that good nutrition will help.