No GM Crop in the UK "For the Foreseeable Future"...

[RGBVideo]

1. GM food is absolutely unncessary. Food shortage is not caused by a shortfall in food production. It's the distribution.

"We", as in EU countries have too much food since our own spineless goverments are licking farmers (the only special interest group in EU currently) butts' and giving huge subsidies to 'em for farming (farming subsidies [incl. tobacco subs.] take up more than 2/3 of the federal budget, don't they?). If we cut down the subsidies, the overproduction will stall and we'll save a ****load of money. Effectivily genetically modified food is more efficient to produce, thus more land is freed for special biodiversity areas and cities. And let's not forget that it also means that less workers are needed to produce the same amount as before.

Absolutely unnecessary?

2. GM crop seeds are sterile, that means the farmers cannot harvest seeds for next year, but must rely on large GM companies to supply them.

It's the same people complaining about that NOW who before were complaining that the seeds could reproduce and "contaminate" other plants.

4. GM crops kill things like butterflies, insects that pollenate the plants. Good move, that.

"and finally... if you eat this food, CUTE BUTTERFLIES WILL DIE!" You can't be seriously saying that this would have any effects to insect population that would mean their extinction... can you?

GM crop was better for the environment that the organic crop

Can I stress this enough? Properly genetically modified crops ARE better for the environment than 'ordinary' crops: Since they produce more, they require LESS LAND FOR FARMING. This land is freed for nature, thus gives MORE ROOM FOR PARKS AND FORESTS. Many animal species which require large territory and forest to live are in the brink of extinction because human farmers have taken most of their growing enviroment, GM food would SAVE THESE SPECIES.

[General Ludd]

Good for the UK, they don't want to be guinea pigs.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Cort Haus
I'm left hoping that the farmers of the third world are not denied access to this technology, so that they can improve their yields, enjoy a surplus and see economic growth.

The farmers of the 3rd world can't afford this technology. It will drive them ou of business.

btw - in some trials the GM crop was better for the environment that the organic crop

I call BS.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by VJ
Can I stress this enough? Properly genetically modified crops ARE better for the environment than 'ordinary' crops: Since they produce more, they require LESS LAND FOR FARMING. This land is freed for nature, thus gives MORE ROOM FOR PARKS AND FORESTS

Right! All that farmland is going to be snapped up by the government and restored to its natural state.

Or maybe, it will be used to build new subdivisions. Hardly better for the envionment.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Pesticide resitent crops mean that they can drench fields on toxics without having to worry about the crop dying.

Why would you want pesticide resistent crops when pest resistent crops would make you more money?

[DinoDoc]

Bunch of luddites you people are.

[Gibsie]

As long as people can separate their irrational fear of science and base their dislike of GM crops on a rational fear of what big business does, they're not luddites.

[Sandman]

Europeans are overwhelmingly pro-science. Even controversial stuff like stem cell research is generally supported, because it has obvious possible benefits. GM foods aren't supported because there's no need for them. It's like trying to sell snow to the Eskimos.

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by Gibsie
As long as people can separate their irrational fear of science and base their dislike of GM crops on a rational fear of what big business does, they're not luddites.

I think you're confused. Should read:


As long as people can separate their irrational fear of science and base their dislike of GM crops on a rational fear of what big business does, they're luddites.

[Gibsie]

I was not aware that the definition of a Luddite was someone who thinks about something rationally and makes conscious decisions based upon that rational thought.

[cinch]

Originally posted by Gibsie
As long as people can separate their irrational fear of science and base their dislike of GM crops on a rational fear of what big business does, they're not luddites.

Exactly!

[cinch]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Bunch of luddites you people are.

"When a person becomes a movie critic, it is understood that they are a great lover of film. A music critic is understood to be an enthusiast of the musical arts. But when someone dares to criticise techonology, they are branded a luddite. Why?"

-Vandana Shiva (paraphrased)

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Why would you want pesticide resistent crops when pest resistent crops would make you more money?

Think about who some of these companies are. Monsanto is the maker of Roundup.

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by Gibsie
I was not aware that the definition of a Luddite was someone who thinks about something rationally and makes conscious decisions based upon that rational thought.

Well, they do say you learn something everyday.

[Gibsie]

So the Luddites were good, not backward-thinking people? Wowsers.