Biotechnology On The Rise : Fear & Ignorance Prompts Over-Regulation

Again, this is about prosperity and individual freedom to choose one's own future and determine who they want to be. Progressive socialism, as dictated by democrats, does not allow the individual to have any options for self determination. The individual must be subordinate and dependent on others for survival in a socialist society. 

Know this, it is all about the control of outcomes by the few, and the obedience by the many. It is who they are and always have been.

The Future of Farming and Rise of Biotechnology
Source: David Weisser, "The Future of Farming and Rise of Biotechnology," National Center for Policy Analysis, October 2014.        

October 21, 2014

There is a great deal of controversy over genetically modified crops; some countries have banned their growth entirely, while others have placed strict regulatory restrictions on production. David Weisser, research associate with the National Center for Policy Analysis, argues that biotechnology is necessary. As the world's population continues to grow (it is projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050), global food production will have to increase by 70 percent in order to meet demand.

Scientists have discovered ways to improve crops by manipulating plant DNA, creating a product that better resists insects and stands up to herbicides, allowing farmers to grow crops using fewer pesticides. For example, biotechnology company Monsanto created a crop known as Bollgard Bt cotton -- a strain of cotton injected with the Bacillus thuringinesis bacterium which produces its own insecticide, reducing the need for additional pesticide. The product was introduced in India in 2002, and its benefits became evident:

• Yields improved with the use of Bt cotton. One particular cotton farm increased its yield by 7,625.7 pounds per hectare while simultaneously reducing costs by $143.32 per hectare (due to decreased use of pesticides).
• With more money in their pockets, Indian farmers have been able to upgrade their machinery, advancing the country's agricultural economy.

Brazil is currently experimenting with biotechnology and sugarcane. While Brazil produces 588 million tons of sugarcane per year (half the world's output), it could double that production; half of its potential crop is currently lost to pests, weeds and drought.

Biotechnology offers the potential to combat world hunger by greatly increasing crop yields and producing hardier plants that can withstand pests, drought and more. But because many countries do not allow the production or importation of biotech crops, the ability of these crops to feed the globe is limited, says Weisser.