October 18, 1999 | from a press release
NEW YORK - Genetically modified (GM) crops have been the center of a public furor for several years. Their value in reducing the use of agrochemicals is clear, but they've only displaced about 1% of that market. But major companies are still backing their multi-billion bets on research and acquisitions in the GM crop business, and pushing on to second- and third-generation products such as trees with reduced lignin (to aid papermaking) or crops that produce human medicines. It's projected that a $100 billion market could emerge by 2020.
Separating the science from the nonsense is difficult. A new report, Genetic Engineering & Crop Protection: Future Prospects, from Hewin International, a unit of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., (New York, NY) provides a clear overview of what's underway in this exciting area of the agricultural business. It provides an extensive overview of herbicide tolerant crops, investigates insect control strategies, and delves into control of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases.
Current and proposed regulations are discussed, and some environmental and consumer fears and misconceptions clarified. Is GM a menace? Or a truly 'green' technology? The report argues persuasively: "Second- and third-generation GM foods will bring consumer advantage and may go some way to reducing world hunger." With developing public opposition in Europe, the next few years will be critical to marketplace progress. In the end the market will decide whether consumers will accept GM foods, or instead take their cue from the innately conservative impulses of increasingly militant opponents.
The timely report maps out the activities and strategies of major players in the GM crops business, including Monsanto (via its Asgrow Seeds, Calgene, DeKalb Genetics and Holden's Foundation Seeds affiliates), Du Pont (with Pioneer High-Bred), AgrEvo, Rhone-Poulenc, Novartis, Zeneca, Dow AgroSciences, BASF, Cyanamid (American Home Products), among others.
