Biotechnology has been in the news a lot lately. But what exactly is it?

Well, it’s when you use something that’s alive to make some useful product.

Want some examples? OK, let’s see. How about using the fermentation process to make beer and wine. We’ve been doing that for quite a while. Most people don’t have a problem with that.

Want another one? OK, how about using mold to make medicines like penicillin? We’ve been doing that for a while now, too. Most people don’t have a problem with that.

OK, how about taking the gene from one animal or plant and putting it into another? Whoa! Hang on! A lot of people have a problem with that.

This kind of biotechnology is often called genetic engineering. It has been used to create what has become known as genetically modified organisms. A lot of people are saying no to GMOs. They believe that foods made from GMOs are unsafe to eat or may do irreparable harm to the environment. GMO or “transgenic” foods, as they are sometimes called, have been labeled “Frankenfoods” and “Superweeds” by their opponents.

What does FAO have to say?

First, let’s not panic. We have to separate the science fiction from the science.

Biotechnology is a tool in the same way fire is a tool. You can use it to cook your food, or you can misuse it and burn down your house.

We need to examine three fundamental questions. Here’s the first one:

Is it safe?

So far, no verifiable harmful effects from eating foods derived from genetically modified crops have been observed anywhere in the world. That doesn’t mean that new transgenic foods are risk-free. But any risks are essentially the same as for plants and animals developed using conventional means.

FAO’s position, which reflects the views of its Member Countries, is that each new transgenic crop variety or animal breed must be tested on a case-by-case basis using rigorous scientific methods to see its potential benefits and risks. The process must be completely transparent so that the public can be assured that no political or economic interests have influenced the results. Environmental organizations, farmer groups and community organizations must be engaged in this process.

FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been providing expert scientific advice on the food safety aspects of foods derived from biotechnology since 1991. FAO and WHO are responsible for the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international commission that sets standards for all aspects of food safety. Why don’t you find out a bit more about the Codex Alimentarius Commission and FAO’s work in the area of food safety.

Now here’s the next question we have to consider:

Will it help the poor?

People opposed to genetic engineering also claim that it will lead to a corporate takeover of traditional agriculture and the global food supply. They say it will not benefit the poor and hungry.

It’s true that the major investors and developers of transgenic crops and animals have been large private corporations. And because these big businesses are interested in making money on their investment, the technology has been used to develop a limited number of commercial crops grown by major producers. Improving crops that could help poorer farmers in developing countries definitely has not been a priority.

However, there is no reason that public sector groups, including governments, universities and agricultural research institutions cannot use the new biotechnologies to develop plant and animal breeds that could benefit poorer farmers. In fact, several developing countries already have well-developed biotech programmes.

It was the public sector that helped drive the “green revolution”, which brought about a boom in agricultural productivity by introducing new crop varieties and farming technologies. Find out more about the “green revolution”.

And here’s one final question:

Do we really need it?

Do we absolutely need this technology to end world hunger? Maybe, maybe not. But there is no good reason for abandoning it. FAO believes there are clear indications that biotechnology can benefit the poor and hungry of the world without harming the environment.

FAO's goal is to provide countries with the tools, information and guidance they need make their own informed choices about new breakthroughs in biotechnology.