Decisions about growing G.M. cotton are made at high levels of government officials representatives of agri-business agencies and 'experts' and few are concerned about the farmer's opinions. Transfer of genes to related wild species seems inevitable. Increases in the use of G.M. cotton presents a threat for organic cotton producers as the basic standards for organic agriculture prohibits the use of G.M. varieties. It has been established by PANUK that there is a growing call for organic cotton and supplies are now outstripped by demand. There are two reasons why this is the case- * Organic cotton global production is still a small part of the industry which means that it is unable to meet sudden variations in demand. * Cotton farmers need to go through a 3 year conversion before they are able to be certified organic. Cotton growing highlights the unequal trade relations which have been set up where farmers in the E.U. and U.S are paid subsidies which give them a price which is two to three times higher than the world markets. In consequence North American and European growers produce cotton that is sold on the world market at a loss thus reducing prices for everyone.
There are dominant forces in G.M. technology; seeds are patented so that farmers are required to agree not to save seed and to pay royalties. Specific herbicides are linked to the seeds ensuring continuing revenue. Huge amounts of money have been spent by the biotech companies on research and they want to see an early return on their investments. Data which has been released is by the companies themselves and has been accepted by the authorities. G.M. technology is now being forced on to countries as quickly as possible even if local farmers are in opposition. Given the concerns that have been expressed about the speed with which genetically engineered crops are being adopted I would suggest that more unbiased testing needs to be done before we forge ahead with something which could change our environment irrevocably. It is surely far more feasible at this time to put money into organic crops which are what the public appear to want.
About the Author:
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