Genetically modified food is produced from plants that have had their genetic make-up tweaked in the laboratory. Scientists 'cut and paste' a gene from another organism into a plant's DNA to give it a new characteristic. This can be to increase yield or to allow the plant to exist in a more hostile environment than normal. Pro-GM scientists say this means cheaper and more plentiful food, but opponents argue that we do not know the consequences of meddling with nature.
From BBC News
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Germany bans Monsanto's GM maize14 Apr 09Germany is to ban genetically modified (GM) maize from US firm Monsanto - the only GM crop widely grown in Europe.
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Earth population 'exceeds limits'31 Mar 09Science advisor in the US State Department Nina Fedoroff says humans have exceeded the Earth's "limits of sustainability".
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Tighter Wales GM rules unveiled24 Feb 09Proposals for tougher controls on genetically modified crops are announced by ministers in Wales.
- Getting an appetite for biotechnology 24 Feb 09
- EU court attacks GM crop secrecy 18 Feb 09
- GM battles rage down on the farm 17 Feb 09
- GM crops 'may give lower yields' 06 Feb 09
News Audio and Video
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Germany bans Monsanto's GM maize
14 Apr 09Germany is to ban the cultivation of genetically modified maize - the only GM crop widely grown in Europe.
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Row as EU ban on GM crops goes on
06 Mar 09Genetically modified organisms are back on the Brussels agenda as attempts by the European Commission to force some EU countries to lift their bans were defeated. The Record Europe's Shirin Wheeler reports.
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EU court attacks GM crop secrecy
18 Feb 09
Europe's top court rules that EU governments have no right to conceal the location of field trials of GM crops.
Listento "EU court attacks GM crop secrecy" now -
'Judge GM foods on their merits'
09 Feb 09Peter Melchett of the Soil Association and Ian Crute of Rothamsted Research discuss GM foods.
Listento "'Judge GM foods on their merits'" now - Calls for a new GM foods debate 09 Feb 09Listento "Calls for a new GM foods debate" now
- Farmer defends growing GM crop 28 Jan 09Watch "Farmer defends growing GM crop" now
Editor's Choice
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News - GM Food: Monster or saviour?A look into the pros and cons of genetically-modified food
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News - Science adviser urges GM rethinkThe UK government's former chief scientific adviser calls for positive use of GM technology
- News - Quick guide: GM Food
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