Developing Countries Outnumber Industrialized Nations in Cultivation of Genetically Altered Crops

For years, scientists have been working to make crops more resilient to pests and herbicides by genetically modifying their seeds.  A new report by International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications reveals that genetically engineered agriculture is growing in popularity, especially in developing countries.  In 2007, farmers worldwide planted 282.3 million acres of biotech crops – a 12 percent increase from 2006.  For the first time, developing countries outnumbered industrialized nations in the cultivation of genetically altered crops, such as soybeans, cotton, and corn.  Supporters of traditional agriculture say that poor farmers run the risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of debt to the multinational corporations that own the patents on the seeds.  Other critics of biotech crops cite health and environmental concerns.  To read more about this issue, click here.