Panel 7 - GMO
The main aim of this panel is not to tackle the GMO issue in broad terms of its alleged or real hazards for biodiversity and human health. The focus will be on a specific aspect of the problem: will biotechnology ensure food security, protect the environment and reduce poverty in developing world, as some people, representing vested interests in biotechnology industry, claim?
The danger, in fact, is that the real problems of food security and environmental impact are neglected in view of GMO technology as a "cure-all" sort of magic, while it not only treats simply the symptoms rather than the underlying problems, but it is not even so good at treating these symptoms, as it leaves intact all the agriculture's ills.