The GM Crop - Who Needs It?

Genetically modified crops, also known as transgenic crops, are created by artificially inserting a gene or genes into a plant instead of the plant acquiring the gene through the natural process of pollination. The gene that is introduced is called a transgene.
The transgenic Bt corn was modified to produce its own insecticide, for instance. Transgenes are added to improve quality and yield of a crop, to provide pest and disease protection or to provide protection from unpredictable weather changes such as drought.

There are divided opinions in this country and considerable controversy surrounding the discussion of genetically modified foods:
Who benefits from genetic modification? Farmers benefit with better crop productivity and less risk of crop loss from pests or drought. Third world farmers can produce more food for the people who live in drought-prone areas. According to the agriculture department at the University of Hawaii, transgenic foods have improved nutritional value and better flavor and fewer pesticides are needed.
What are the risks? Many environmental organizations oppose genetic modification. Some feel that the introduced gene could contain allergens that would make otherwise safe foods intolerable to many people. Some fear that transgenic foods would provide resistance to antibiotics that are necessary in preventing disease. Greenpeace International maintains a Web site, The True Food Network that provides a list of genetically altered foods and their potential risks to human health.