![Against the Grain]( "Against the Grain")
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About this book
Within a very few years, much of what we eat may well have been genetically engineered, without proper consideration of the issues of public health, consumer choice and ecological stability. This volume argues that the dangers of this huge experiment could be catastrophic, and at the very least have been underestimated or ignored by the industries exploiting the new technologies. The authors have unearthed government and industry documents which show these new methods to be far from fail-safe or risk-free. Comprehensively supported with facts and references, they question the ethics of genetic engineering, and its implications for health and the natural environment.
The book provides a full account of the science and technologies involved in producing `transgenic' plants. It also explains the scale and speed of what is going on, and argues for full public accountability and control of the new developments - before it is too late to go back to the methods enshrined in millions of years of evolution. This book is timely because of the growing urgency to establish systematic measures to regulate global developments in and application of genetic engineering, as well as to ease tension between corporate economic interests and public ethical and environmental aspirations. Although this book tells a one-sided and sometimes alarmist story, it provides convincing evidence that governments around the world must, urgently, create and enforce regulatory measures to control irresponsible corporate investment in gentic engineering of food.
Contents
The argument for biotechnology; profiling genetic engineering; dangers in herbicides; are we ready for "roundup ready" foods?; destroying a miracle; regulatory review; transgenic products and food production; biotechnology's impact on agriculture; ethical issues and long-term consequences; labelling; recommendations.
Customer Reviews
By: Marc Lappé and Britt Bailey
163 pages, Maps
'An important contribution to a necessary debate.' Spore 'Thoroughly researched... this book will be vital to serious food campaigners.' Earthmatters 'A compelling case for the argument that, without strict regulation, genetic engineering may destroy the ecological diversity upon which our world depends.' Sunday Times 'Rich with critical detail and anchored by thorough research.' Foresight 'Do read this book, and if you cannot buy it, order it from your local library.' Land Heritage 'Recommended reading for anyone concerned with the state of the world food system.' People and the Planet 'A clear, concise introduction to the subject.' Permaculture This excellent little book will make you think hard about the risks of transferring this technology to Europe... Against the Grain makes a powerful case that the drive for profit risks squandering the real promises of biotechnology.' Plantlife 'A valuable, politically oriented contribution to the debate... very useful in this difficult field.' Ileia Seeds for Agrobiodiversity This publication helps to shape our viewpoint by a thorough analysis of the situation. Contains a glossary of terms, useful in this difficult field.' Leisa Magazine 'Against the Grain presents complex and formidable challenges that have emerged in the transformative process of agriculture.' 'The argument-based procedure that the authors have followed in presenting the consequences of biotechnology and transgenic food crops will encourage readers of various fields of interest... whilst the glossary of terms will help readers from a range of backgrounds to understand the technical aspects of such issues as Roundup-ready crops.' Local Environment Journal
