As a proponent of GMO, I found the article below highly interesting.  It is from the February 23, 2008 issue of The Economist and it addresses the future of genetically modified crops in Europe.   

Article, The Economist: http://www.economist.com/business/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=10727808  

My Commentary

Europe in general has rejected the benefits of GMO crops for years now despite the fact that most of the arguments against widespread GMO use have been disproven.  To put this in perspective, Price Charles once said, “While the demand for organic food outstrips supply, we happen to know that 77 percent of consumers don’t want genetically engineered crops grown in this country. Consumers can choose whether or not to buy organic produce. Genetically modified ingredients will deny us choice in the long run.” 

I vehemently disagree with his statement and I feel there is plenty of room for both GMO and Organic production.  (Both offer benefits.)  I believe that market forces being driven by consumer demand will allow for continued organic production along side GMO.  This argument also completely ignores the benefits GMO bring to the table such as a more stable food supply chain, lower water uses, less fertilizer requirements, and health benefits being engineered today for future crops.   

Europe may have backed itself into a corner on this one, as much of the rest of the world has adopted GMO crops.  In the current climate of using crops for fuel, European consumers will have an even more limited supply of non-GMO gains to purchase which can only mean higher prices for the consumer.   I wonder if 77% of the UK’s citizens wants to pay even higher food prices than the rest of the world.