As debate rages over the costs and benefits of genetically engineered crops, noted agroecologist Miguel Altieri lucidly examines some of the issue's most basic and pressing questions:
- Are transgenic crops similar to conventionally bred crops?
- Are transgenic crops safe to eat?
- Does biotechnology increase yields?
- Does it reduce pesticide use?
- What are the costs to American farmers?
- Will biotechnology benefit poor farmers?
- Can biotechnology coexist with other forms of agriculture?
- What are the known and potential environmental and biological risks?
- What alternatives do we have to genetically modified crops?
