Biotechnology
Gwynne Dyer's March 27 article on new food technologies, Controlling flourishing business of world's Food, was inaccurate and inflammatory. In contrast to Mr. Dyer's arguments, the reasons for using this new breakthrough in agriculture are compelling: Farmers around the world can grow more and healthier food for an ever growing population at a lower cost with less effect on the environment.
Contrary to what was stated in this article:
* Biotechnology is unique in that it can be used by all farmers in all nations. It will be widely available and will help all countries be not only more self-sufficient but also highly effective in their food production. The first farmers to use this technology are already seeing yields at lower costs.
* The improved plants farmers around the world are using today have been studied thoroughly, precisely tracked and carefully reviewed for decades by government regulatory bodies, farmers and consumers.
* Biotechnology is a clear contributor to sustainable environmental practices. By changing the genetic information inside a plant, we can control insects, weeds and viruses with fewer pesticides, plus we can save valuable topsoil, water and other natural resources.
* While saving seed from one harvest to the next has been a practice for a few crops in some regions, farmers around the world have agreed that the benefits from biotechnology have to be preserved. This means that farmers agree to use new seed each year to protect the value of these highly specialized crops for everyone. Farmers receive access to an important new tool and help with their crops in return for signing these agreements and protecting their investments.
* Today, there is no economic incentive for food processors to segregate crops like corn and soybeans that are crushed for commodity foods. If processors were to separate crops, food process would increase for all consumers -- including the majority of people around the world who see no value in having crops segregated.
* The definition of "organic" plants is still being debated in may countries. We respect these discussions and recognize that organic farmers must spend time deciding if biotechnology will meet their needs in a way that they believe is sustainable.
By 2050, the world population could reach as high as 12 billion -- double the current number. To feed these people using conventional farming practices, we would need more than double the amount of farmland we have today. Yet that land is not available: Most of the world's productive, sustainable farmland is already under cultivation. Seeds improved through biotechnology make it possible to produce higher yields on the farmland available today while reducing the effect on the environment.
We agree with Mr. Dyer that everyone should know about biotechnology and have a choice about their food. We hope that future articles in The Jakarta Post will help give readers the complete picture so they can make the choices that are best for them and their families.
NHA HOANG
President, Business Development
Monsanto Company
800 North Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63167 USA