GMO problems are not so hard to work out

Essentially, genetic modification is a plant breeding technique - a very high-tech method for crossing things that would otherwise remain separate. In other words, the kind of thing that geeks and techno-geeks just love. Of course, at the end of the day, this makes it just another "spanner in the toolbox".

This spanner analogy helps show the real problem with a GMO. Imagine you are tinkering with your car one day, using all the various tools you have for their usual purposes - 3/8th spanners on 3/8th bolts and the like.

You are interrupted by a stranger who offers you a brand new spanner. "Looks interesting, what sort of bolts does it fit?"

"Ah", says the stranger, "Its very flexible, you can use it for all kinds of things".

Armed with your new spanner, you search high and low for a bolt on your car that it will fit. Some come close, but nothing really stands out. "Don't worry about that", says the stranger. "This is very high tech, much better than all those obsolete tools of yours."

The same situation exists with a GMO.

Genetic research (at least sine the 1908s) has fallen in love with a posteriori research. To understand what this is, contrast it with the usual a priori approach.

A priori research begins with a problem, postulates a solution and tests the potential solution to see if it works. is the exact reverse: It begins with a solution (like a new spanner) and looks for a problem it can solve.

This is a valid approach - where appropriate - but in Genetics, it has become so easy and convenient, it is used whether appropriate or not.

An example is a herbicide-resistant GMO. The question to ask is: "Why do we need such a thing?"

The underlying assumptions are that weeds must be destroyed and that only chemicals can do this.

Methods previously used to control weeds are simply forgotten, any understanding of weeds and their place in farming is lost, and, gradually farmers learn to stop doing their jobs and dutifully use whatever tool is being promoted at the time.

So what? Well, sure, chemicals do control weeds, so what does it matter?

The fact is that weeds are not really a problem, but a consequence of an undefined problem. This means that simply killing the weeds will only substitute one problem for another - an ordinary weed for a chemical resistant one perhaps. This being the case, then introduction of a GMO will only substitute a chemical resistant weed for another (as yet unknown) consequence of the still-undefined problem.

So, you see, issues of genetic pollution and so forth - as important as they are - really only represent side issues. Until we can get to the root problems and learn to deal with them properly, we will always be susceptible to to strangers bearing bright and shiny new tools.

Further Reading and Useful Links

The True Food Network
This is a really good site with loads of information on a range of food safety and consumer information topics.

You will also find more information on these issues from time to time in our email newsletter - The Food Gardener.

Lastly, if you have the time, here is a very interesting documentary on the subject: