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Genetic engineering involves taking genes from one organism and placing them into the genome of another. This can result in:

• crops being created that produce their own insecticide, or are herbicide resistant
• crops being given genetic advantages that suit the areas in which they are grown to maximise yield
• crops being modified to produce particular substances, eg vitamin A, or energy-producing crops

However, there are many arguments used against this technology.

• The escape of pollen from genetically modified crops could lead to the modification of other crops. In the case of pollen containing herbicide resistance, it is feared that ‘super weeds’ could be created. These are weeds which have accidentally been pollinated by a genetically modified, herbicide-resistant plant.
• Some GM crops are owned by large companies, which means they can control the price.
• The use of GM crops could lead to less reliance on crops from developing countries.
• There are fears about the effects on the body of eating genetically modified crops.