Countries Debate Allowing Genetically Modified Crops to Enter Market

By Stefanie Toth|2 August 2011

Countries around the world are debating on whether or not genetically modified crops are safe for human consumption. Some countries, many in the European Union, have banned or restricted the use of GM seeds.

Hungary, most recently, introduced new policies to check all seeds entering the country to prevent GM products from reaching farmers. However, some seeds recently breached the process and were planted. The country’s government instructed farmers to destroy nearly 1000 acres of GM maize once this was discovered.

For many farmers, this means that this year’s crop is considered a loss because of the current GM ban. Genetically modified seeds from both Monsanto and Pioneer were found to have entered the supply chain through a seed distributor.

Other countries are considering adopting GM farming in order to improve food security. In Kenya, the government is urging farmers to become more educated about the benefits of producing genetically modified crops, according to How We Made it in Africa.

While the government is pushing for a change, some stakeholders are saying that the failure of GM crops in other countries and are advocating organic agriculture. Still, some organizations such as USAID and the University of Nairobi are trying to educate farmers about the benefits of GM crops and biotechnology.