The movement in North America and Western Europe toward limiting some use of genetic engineering and other tools of modern science for food production and processing could threaten food supplies in developing countries, partly because of reduced exports by developed countries and partly because developing countries might adopt similar policies, constraining agricultural production. At the same time, more emphasis must be placed on research and policy that will help farmers, communities, and governments better cope with expected increases in risks. All appropriate scientific tools, including bioengineering, should be mobilized. Sustainable increases in agricultural productivity will be possible only if sound government policies are pursued and investments in the rural areas are expanded. Failure to take appropriate steps will result in continued low economic growth and rapidly increasing food insecurity and malnutrition in many low-income developing countries, forgone opportunities for expanded international trade, widespread conflict and civil strife, and an unstable world for all.
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