Back in 1983, the United States government approved the release of the first genetically modified organism. In this case, it was a bacteria that prevents frost on food crops. – Jeremy Rifkin
Whats different here is that we have now technologies that allow these life science companies to bypass classical breeding. Thats what makes it both powerful and exciting. – Jeremy Rifkin
Many of the mainstream agricultural scientists, especially at the agricultural schools, but at all of our major universities, are tied into all sorts of contractual relationships and consulting relationships with the life science companies. – Jeremy Rifkin
The public should know that the liability issues here have yet to be resolved, or even raised. If youre a farmer and youre growing a genetically engineering food crop, those genes are going to flow to the other farm. – Jeremy Rifkin
If we do not change our negative habits toward climate change, we can count on worldwide disruptions in food production, resulting in mass migration, refugee crises and increased conflict over scarce natural resources like water and farm land. This is a recipe for major security problems. – Michael Franti