Between Genetic Engineering and World Nutrition

Since the beginning of humanity, hunger has been used as one of the most effective means of control, by both large and small rulers alike. Across the globe hundreds of millions of people are starving, millions are suffering from the effects of malnutrition. The industrial age of agriculture is threatening to seriously disrupt the global circulation of materials.

For 10,000 years seeds have been passed on from generation to generation as the basis of our diet. The rich diversity of these seeds is one of the most important factors guaranteeing our survival. Today, more than half of global seeds stocks are controlled by only 3 corporations and in the eyes of these powerful firms, genetic engineering and patents guarantee life.

Benedikt Haerlin is director of the European initiative, “Save our Seeds” (SOS). This initiative promotes a zero tolerance policy in regard to the genetic modification of seed stocks and organises conferences in European regions where genetic engineering is not used. Haerlin was an acting member on the non-governmental board of supervisors for The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) which is produced for the UN and World Bank.

Language: German

 

 

Part of Food is Power.

In cooperation with Dr. Rainer Wild-Foundation