According to a
report from the
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications,
genetically modified (GM)
crops are gaining ground. In
2001 some 52.6m
hectares were planted with
GM crops, a 19% rise over the previous year. Thirteen countries now grow GM
soyabeans,
maize,
corn,
cotton or
canola.
America accounts for two-thirds of global production, but
China,
South Africa and
Australia are rapidly increasing their share. Despite lingering
consumer unease, particularly in
Europe, the report predicts a bright future for
GM crops.
At the same time, in 1999,
Americans faced increasing difficulty in selling farm products in overseas markets during the year because of concerns over the use of
biotechnology. In previous years questions about the safety of
genetically modified soybeans and corn had been raised mostly in
Europe. As the year wore on, concerns began to spread to
Asia and
North America. Some countries began to require warning
labels and impose other restrictions on
GMOs in
foodstuffs. American
farmers, who in general had rapidly and enthusiastically embraced the new technology, were understandably concerned that their products might not be acceptable in
world markets. As a result, some major American agricultural processors indicated that farmers would have to certify
GMO-free status upon delivery of their produce. Some manufacturers of
baby foods announced that they would not use genetically modified commodities as inputs.