Seeds for the Future - by Jennifer Thompson (Paperback)

About the Book

Plants have long been genetically modified through crossbreeding and other basic agricultural techniques to make crops more resilient, nutritious, and profitable. In recent decades, however, advances in genetic engineering--including the ability to...

Book Synopsis

Plants have long been genetically modified through crossbreeding and other basic agricultural techniques to make crops more resilient, nutritious, and profitable. In recent decades, however, advances in genetic engineering--including the ability to blend genetic material from animals with that of plants--have allowed farmers to grow crops that resist insect pests, weeds, viruses, and drought; provide increased iron or beta carotene; deliver vaccines and antibodies; reduce common allergens and pollutants; and augment marketable qualities such as delayed ripening. The complicated scientific, environmental, legal, cultural, and ethical issues surrounding these crops are being hotly debated all over the world. In Seeds for the Future, an internationally respected molecular geneticist and food researcher, Jennifer A. Thomson, describes how these crops are developed, distributed, and regulated.

Review Quotes

"Examining such diverse issues as intellectual property rights and DNA uptake, Thomson's prudent approach offers a thorough consideration of the environmental, economic, and ethical effects of genetic modification, making this critical reading for members of the scientific community and concerned consumers."--Carol Haggas, Booklist, 1 March 2007

"Genetically modified (GM) crops and their impact on native species, the environment, and human health have been topics of international debate for many years. Thomson attempts to put the issue in perspective with a clear and objective scientific explanation of genetic engineering and its role in producing disease-, weed-, insect-, virus-, and drought-resistant soybean, maize, canola, cotton, beets, bananas, cassava, potatoes, and other crops providing higher yields and making healthy food available to millions of people. Thomson is candid about the risks and the legal and trade issues, but she argues that these are minor concerns when compared with the benefits that GM crops have brought to the developing world. Her scholarly, important work, written in simple language, is well documented with references to scientific literature and practical examples. Although intended for an agricultural audience, it should be read by all who want to get beyond the debate to a lucid understanding of GM crops and their place in modern biotechnology."--Library Journal

"The effect of agricultural biotechnology on developing countries is a major point of debate. Jennifer A. Thomson knows the science behind the technology and is well versed in the public discourse. Few books maintain the relative context of risks associated with genetically modified crops to the risks associated with conventional systems. Thomson very simply and effectively explodes the myth that conventional crop breeding is risk free."--Alan McHughen, University of California, Riverside, author of Pandora's Picnic Basket

"While based on solid empirical evidence from research and field experience, Seeds for the Future is organized and written in a way that makes it easily accessible and interesting to both experts and lay readers with an interest in the subject. It provides up-to-date information on a rapidly moving subject and contributes to a more enlightened debate on a topic of great importance."--Per Pinstrup-Andersen, H. E. Babcock Professor of Food, Nutrition, and Public Policy, Cornell University, author of Seeds of Contention

About the Author

Jennifer A. Thomson is Professor of Microbiology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She is on the boards of a number of biotechnology organizations including the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, based in Nairobi.