Author : Leavitt, Frank J.

Summary : Although concerns about genetically modified (GM) food seeds are serious and well-founded, the problems which these seeds raise are usually not unique to GM seeds alone. GM organisms are only one example of problematic new varieties or breeds. Large soybean and other monocultural plantations have serious environmental effects which GM seeds exacerbate. Although GM seeds may benefit large scale commercial agricultural, these and especially "terminator" and "traitor" genes, are a threat to small farmers. People have a right to know what they are eating, so labeling should be mandatory. Bioethics, like great philosophy, must grapple with the interface between science and religion. Spiritual and religious aspects of the GMO issue cannot be ignored. the question why corporations are investing in GMO technology will be discussed briefly because there is not much to say on the subject. There are viable alternatives to GM food seeds, especially organic methods such as the Kitchen Garden Scheme.