WHAT
ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR THE CONSUMER?
As such genetic modification does not bring any advantage to the
consumer.
The current generation of biotech crops - soya, corn and cotton
- which is resistant to certain insects and to certain herbicides,
gives farmers a financial advantage and slightly reduces the use
of herbicides, but is not directly advantageous for the consumer.
The second generation, which is still at the trial stage, must improve
the quality of the crops itself, for example soya and corn with
a higher protein or oil content, rice with vitamin A and higher
iron content, wheat with reduced gluten, naturally caffeine free
coffee etc. It is expected that this will primarily benefit the
processing industry.
As far as the advantages for the consumer are concerned, we will
probably have to wait for the third generation of GMOs with functional
characteristics which will improve the health of consumer (groups),
and will be easier to prepare, will taste better or be a combination
of all the above. |
