December 1998 - I believe that genetic modification is much more than just an extension of selective breeding techniques. Mixing genetic material from species that cannot breed naturally takes us into areas that should be left to God. I suspect that planting herbicide-resistant crops will lead to more chemicals being used on our fields, not less. And because the pesticide will be everywhere in the crop, it is predicted that the pests will rapidly acquire resistance to it. Genetic material does not stay where it is put.
Pollen is spread by the winds and by insects.
If something does go badly wrong with GM crops, we will be faced with a form of pollution that is self-perpetuating. I don't think anyone knows how to clean up after that sort of incident, or who would have to pay for it. I wonder about the claims that some GM crops are essential to feed the world's growing populations. The public discussion so far has concentrated on the risks and capabilities of the technology and the effectiveness of the regulations. I wanted to encourage wider public debate about what I see as a fundamental issue and one which affects each and every one of us and future generations.