LINCOLN, Neb. -- It won't be long before Nebraska farmers will be climbing into their computer-equipped tractor cabs and heading to the fields with planters loaded with genetically modified corn and soybean seeds.
The lack of controversy attending the planting season is in marked contrast to Europe, which is in the midst of another round of debate on whether genetically modified crops should be allowed.
Rise in numbers
In Nebraska, the percentage of acres planted in genetically modified corn went from 34 percent in 2000 to 79 percent in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Internationally, the number of acres planted with genetically modified crops grew 12 percent last year, according to an industry group.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pressure is mounting on the holdouts as the world's need for food continues to climb and diversion of farmland to biofuels contributes to rising demand and higher prices.
This makes the promise of genetically modified crops' higher yields with less water and fertilizer difficult to resist.
The Economist magazine reported in April that a farming lobby group, Copa-Cogeca, warned that the rising cost of feed could jeopardize Europe's livestock industry. The organizations wants the European Commission to lift restrictions on genetically modified feed grains.
'Frankenfood'
Opponents continue to raise alarm of the supposed dangers of what they like to call "Frankenfood," but after years of widespread use in places including Nebraska, the dire predictions have failed to come true.
When researchers can hold up genetically modified food products scientifically proven to be healthier for consumers, even the skeptical Europeans may finally give in.
