Gene modification and the Third World

“We do not want to put limits on technology”. In the U.N.D.P.’s Human Development 2001, a clear position has been adopted in favour of GMO. Counter-reactions emerged immediately: Of course there’s enough food, it’s merely a problem of distributing it well! What are the facts and what are the attitudes?

From 2002 to 2003, The Danish Board of Technology facilitated an assessment of the pros and cons of using genetically modified crops to fight poverty and hunger in the third world. The assessment was made by an interdisciplinary working group, appointed by The Danish Board of Technology, with the objective of considering if, and how, genetically modified crops should be an integrated part of the official, Danish development policy. Three workshops has provided input to the final assessment. On these workshops, selected speakers were invited to inform the working group on different issues. A few additional experts were invited to provide additional knowledge to the work group and take part in the discussions.