Author : Mae-Wan Ho

Summary : .Members of the Independent Science Panel (ISP) on GM have had the opportunity to review extensive scientific and other evidence on genetic engineering over the past decades. Many are among the 579 scientists from 71 countries who have signed a 'World Scientist Statement and Open Letter', initiated in 1999, which called for moratorium on the environmental release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a ban on patents on living processes, organisms, seeds, cell lines and genes, and for a comprehensive public enquiry, into the future of agriculture and food security. Scientific and other developments since 1999 have confirmed the concerns of the contributor over the safety of genetic engineering, GM crops and food security. At the same time, the successes and benefits of all forms of sustainable agriculture are undeniable. The evidence, now assembled, makes a strong case for a worldwide ban on GM crops to make way for a comprehensive shift to agroecology, sustainable agriculture and organic farming. The evidence on why GM crops are not a viable option for a sustainable future is presented in Parts 1 and 2 while part 3 presents evidence on the successes and benefits of sustainable agricultural practices.