Critics are calling seed biotechnology food altering, but scientists
believe engineering the gene makeup of crops like rice can increase food
production while also making it more nutritious.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis said they are
convinced the new technology can help feed more people around the world in a
way that's better for the environment.

"If we're going to double or triple food production without taking
over rain forest, marginal lands, areas for wildlife and so on, then we have
to produce crops more efficiently and with high yield," said UC Davis
Professor Kent Bradford.

Jorge Mayer of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Foundation said, "You can
reduce the use of pesticides by introducing a gene that is not available in
the genetic diversity of a crop and reduce the use of pesticides."

However, critics from the environmental community said they are
troubled by the concept of modifying the genetic code for crops.

"There's nothing wrong with feeding the world," said Dan Jacobson of
Environment California. "The questions and the concerns that we have are --
is it a safe way to feed the world? And that hasn't been proven at all yet."

Other critics said they want altered food to be labeled and clearly
marked, so consumers can know exactly what they're eating.

But the UC-Davis scientists insist the technology is safe and that
genetically engineered crops are already in production on 200 million acres
worldwide.

Scientists from all over the world will be meeting at UC-Davis over
the next four days, to share their research on genetic engineering.


[www.nbc11.com]