Against the Grain Genetic Transformation of Global Agriculture [Paperback]

The world's food production is undergoing a rapid and revolutionary transformation, but little is known about it and less is being done to question the wisdom of it. Within a very few years, much of what we eat will have been genetically engineered, without proper consideration of the issues of public health, consumer choice and ecological stability.Against the Grain argues that the consequences of this huge experiment could be catastrophic, and at the very least have been underestimated or ignored by the industries exploiting the new technologies. The authors have unearthed government and industry documents which show these new methods to be far from fail-safe or risk free.Comprehensively supported with facts and references, the book provides a full account of the science and technologies involved in producing 'transgenic plants'. It also explains the scale and speed of what is going on, and argues for full public accountability and control of new developments - before it is too late.Foreword * Introduction * The Argument for Biotechnology * Profiling Genetic Engineering * Dangers in Herbicides * Are We Ready for Roundup Ready(Tm) Foods? * Destroying a Miracle * Regulatory Review * Transgenic Products and Food Production: The World Food Problem * Biotechnology's Impact on Agriculture * Ethical Issues and Long-Term Consequences * Labelling * Recommendations * Conclusions: Against the Grain * Glossary * Index'An important contribution to a necessary debate.'Spore'Thoroughly researched... this book will be vital to serious food campaigners.'Earthmatters'A compelling case for the argument that, without strict regulation, genetic engineering may destroy the ecological diversity upon which our world depends.'Sunday Times'Rich with critical detail and anchored by thorough research.'Foresight'Do read this book, and if you cannot buy it, order it from your local library.'Land Heritage'Recommended reading for anyone concerned with the state of the world food system.'People alC>