In 1996, approximately 4.3 million acres of agricultural land were devoted to the growing of genetically modified crops.
In 2000, approximately 109 million acres of agricultural land were devoted to the growing of genetically modified crops. 109 million acres is quite nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom.
It cannot, therefore, be denied that genetically modified foods are a large, and growing, industry. And why wouldn't it be? Who doesn't like extra-large, extra-sweet fruits, and vegetables that have not been sprayed with pesticide? Food that grows with greater speed appeals too, if you are an agricultural worker or very, very hungry. Crops that will not turn into popsicles if that first frost hits early? Very nice. And what about extra vitamins, to treat malnutrition with greater efficiency? What about being able to eat a strawberry instead of taking a shot?
It sounds good, doesn't it? But it is all a great deal more complicated than that.
