Bill Gates reveals that the debate and conflict over GM foods are threatening the efforts of The Gates Foundation in its attempt to end world hunger. ‘An “ideological wedge” threatens his global effort to help farmers.’
Over the recent years, The Gates Foundation has been ‘helping alleviate hunger and poverty by giving small farmers the tools to produce more.’ Gates and his wife have given more than $1.4 billion to agricultural development.
Recently, they pledged ‘nine new grants worth $120 million aimed at raising yields and farming expertise in the developing world.’ The $120 million fund ‘is intended to help develop genetically modified crops that are more drought-resistant and productive in marginal conditions.’ Under the sponsorship of the Gates Foundation, nitrogen-fixing legume crops, sorghum and millet, and sweet potatoes are all undergoing genetic experimentation.
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been under fierce agricultural debate. GM crops ‘undergo genetic manipulation in a laboratory, usually for the purpose of increasing crop yield or pest resistance.’ Many are skeptic, even wary, of genetic manipulation, believing that ‘GM crops will lead to even greater crop homogenization and threaten the stability of the global food supply.’
Gates slams the ‘false dichotomy between sustainability and productivity, but avoided mentioning genetic modification.’ “According to him, “The technology and new approaches that are transforming agriculture in other parts of the world can be applied in new ways, and help Africa flourish too. This global effort to help small farmers is endangered by an ideological wedge that threatens to split the movement in two. On one side is a technological approach that increases productivity. On the other side is an environmental approach that promotes sustainability. It’s a false choice, and it’s dangerous for the field.”
Via the raw story
