Skeptics of genetically engineered crops will speak during a National Research Council meeting on Sept 15 and 16. A panel of experts was appointed by the council to look at the record of GE crops and future prospects. More than an hour was allotted for presentations from groups such as Food and Water Watch, the Center for Food Safety and Consumers Union.
NRC gave its panel 24 months to survey the record of GE crops in the United States and worldwide, including the conflict whether the crops boost yields, reduce losses to pests and disease, and reduce erosion or whether they encourage development of “super weeds,” reduce genetic diversity and are too expensive for some farmers. The panel also is to review the adequacy of food safety reviews of the crops. “The findings of the review should be placed in the context of the world’s current and projected food and agricultural system,” says NRC. The panel report is expected in spring 2016.