The Case Against GM Crops

The paper contends that genetic modification is an imprecise technology that creates unpredictable biological outcomes and potential health hazards, such as new allergens or toxins. It claims GM crops harm biodiversity, contaminate non-GM and organic farms, and result in lower yields and higher costs for farmers. Furthermore, it criticizes the consolidation of the seed market by a few biotechnology companies and the lack of corporate liability for environmental or health damages.

• Genetic modification is described as an imprecise process where the location of inserted genes is indeterminate, often leading to unwanted traits and the inclusion of unknown genetic material. For example, independent analysis of Monsanto's Roundup Ready soya beans revealed multiple copies of the intended insertion and additional genetic sequences unknown to the company.
• The document asserts that GM crops pose health risks, including the potential for creating dangerous new viruses via promoters taken from the cauliflower mosaic virus and the promotion of antibiotic resistance in bacteria due to the use of marker genes.
• Environmental risks include the contamination of non-GM and organic crops through wind and insect-borne pollen, which has already affected wild maize in Mexico and led to the abandonment of organic oilseed rape farming in Saskatchewan, Canada.
• The paper claims that GM crops often underperform compared to conventional or organic varieties. It cites a Soil Association report stating that GM crops have generally lower yields and increased herbicide reliance, and notes that Bt cotton in India consumes more water and produces shorter fibres.
• Economic consequences for farmers include higher costs due to patented seeds and annual license fees, as well as legal risks. Farmers may face bankrupting fines if unlicensed GM plants are found on their land, regardless of whether the contamination was accidental.
• The document highlights a consolidation of the global seed market, stating that by 1999, 10 companies owned 30% of the world's seed trade, with five controlling nearly all GM crops.

APA

Novotny, E. (2003). The Case Against GM Crops. Scientists for Global Responsibility. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/case-against-gm-crops

Chicago

Novotny, Eva. The Case Against GM Crops. Scientists for Global Responsibility, 2003. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/case-against-gm-crops.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Novotny |first1=Eva |title=The Case Against GM Crops |publisher=Scientists for Global Responsibility |date=September 2003 |url=https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/case-against-gm-crops |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{novotny2003case, author = {Novotny, Eva}, title = {{The Case Against GM Crops}}, institution = {Scientists for Global Responsibility}, year = {2003}, month = sep, url = {https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/case-against-gm-crops}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }